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The in ground pot growing method

I'm trying different growing methods and wanted to share some growing techniques. Here's a method I've been experimenting with. It's a great option for those growing figs in colder climates where the figs need winter protection.

First grow the figs in a pot that is at least 3-5 gallons. Pot has to be with only side holes and not bottom hole, you'll find out why in the fall. 
Dig a hole that is about 1/3 the height of the pot, and about 1' wider than the pot.


Place the potted trees in the hole. I planted a few potted trees about 4 ft apart from each other. 


Fill the gap surrounding the pot with mulch, this will keep some moisture and the weeds out around the pot. 


In areas where temperatures fall below 15° F you'll need to dig the tree after it goes dormant and keep it in a cool storage.
Just remember when you dig it up in fall, and you end up cutting off a lot of roots, you will need to prune the branches as well.


Advantages: This method of growing figs will keep the tree happy. Trees will grow bigger and produce reliably. The roots will penetrate into the soil which means less watering. It's a great option if you're going on a vacation during the summer.

Disadvantages: a hole in the lawn can make your spouse mad. Digging the tree out in fall will require you to cut the roots it can be challenging but easier when you have the mulch and the right shovel. If you have root knot nematodes in your soil that's not a recommended option.
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What are you growing next to it? 

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Those are Bananas. They sprout back from the ground every year. 
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Edible?  and how tall do they get?
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Hello,

      I have used this method for years for some of my containerized figs.   I haven't dug my holes quite as deep as Bass'.   Only an inch works for me and sometimes even that is not necessary.   The roots just feel their way out of the pot and root into the ground.     In the fall after they are dormant or just before a freeze, I hack off the roots and haul the plant into my garage storage area.   As mentioned by Bass, you want to use a pot with drain holes on the side of the pot.  Holes on the bottom takes a lot more effort to cut, especially if your pot is buried a bit.  

   I think that this method of growing is very beneficial.    It can provide supplemental moisture and nutrients.

   One of my largest fig plants was (until this spring) grown in a very small pot (5 gallon max size if I remember correctly)    It was one of the figs that I intentionally "planted" in a small hole so the roots would venture out.   The plant is about 5 feet tall with branches and about  a 1.25" diameter trunk.   It had about 70 or so figs on it last year.     I finally moved it up to a decent sized pot, but just wanted to make the point that even in an undersized pot, letting it root in the ground worked well for a few years.

Ingevald
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Good idea. Seems like a great way to find out which varieties might work well in your yard before making the full committment.
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I do something similar.  I have raised beds for my veggies, so I made another one 12"X2"X8' boards.   4' by 8' sides.  I place as many figs (in 5 gal or larger pots, but I have done it with smaller pots too) into the frame and pack mulch around them.  Ends up with 6"+ of mulch on each side of the pot simplifying watering and such.

At the end of the season, I pull the pots out, cutting roots as needed and rake the mulch to one side for the winter. 

~Chills
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I also use same method and explained it in this Forum,few years ago!
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I'm trying to figure out what you mean when you say side holes and not bottom holes.  In the picture, I don't see any holes in your pots.  Are they around the outer part of the bottom?  Yes, I'm inexperienced but I want to try this.

I have a rootbound fig that I just purchased.  It just sprouted a lot of little figs.  The soil is so compact that I can't even get my finger in the dirt.  According to what I've read, it's too late to prune the roots this year.

Is this kind of planting the best course of action?
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Cassandra check the pot for drain holes around the side bottom of the pot.. The roots of the plant will grow out the  holes and then down into the ground.. If your pot has holes in the bottom it will be difficult to remove the plant from the ground at the end of growing season.. Imagine sliding a shovel down along the side of the pot into the ground severing the roots that have grown out of the pot.. Then you just lift the pot out.. If there are roots growing out the holes in the bottom of the pot it is difficult to access those roots to sever them from the ground.

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Ok, got it.

I also have two other figs that are 4 or 5 feet tall that I have already made a few mistakes with.  I don't have a clue what is going on with them.  Too much water?  Not enough?  Sunburn?  Yikes.  They wintered in my garage at around 50 degrees.  Maybe too warm.  They had nice leaves when it started warming up... that is until I took them outside.  Now they look ravaged.  New leaves are starting to grow and the poor things look spindly.  I feel like a bad fig mom.  :(

I made the common error of putting them in too big of pots.  I'm going to remove them to smaller pots and plant the pots in the ground along with my fruiting one.  Hopefully they will recover and I can shape them by pruning.

Would the west side of a building be a good location?
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Cassandra,Yes,you make side holes,as low as you can,but not under the pot.
If you have holes under the pot ,plug them,totally.
Move the rootbound fig in next size pot,and do not root prune.
Bury them,a third or less inground,and they will be very happy this way.

As for the spindly trees,yes it was too hot in garage,and also you probably did not slowely adapt the trees to outside ,by placing them in shade a few days and then slowly moving the toward sun.
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I'm all about happy figs.  Thanks!
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