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Thinking ahead!

Hello everyone!


I have some potted figs in 3 gl pots that have been in the pots most of last year and all of this year, they have not grown at all this year!

My question would be, can I root prune them next Feb. and then plant them in-ground as soon as I root prune them? in Z 8B

Thanks!
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Cecil,

 

Have you tried just pulling to pot off to check the roots? If they are root bound then why not plant or up-pot them now? Are they different varieties?

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Figluvah...

Can you gently slip them out of the containers, and let them continue to grow in ground for the rest of the season?  Why the wait?  I doubt there would be any substantial set-back if roots are not too disturbed.  You could also just sink the containers into the ground, and let the roots escape from the drainage holes.  Then just spade-trim the roots when dormant, then do whatever needs to be done to prep the trees for next year.  At least with these alternatives, you'll have this season with trees essentially in ground, until the permanent move.

Frank
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Cecil, here is my recommendation.  Since you're in Texas and basically summer there, your tree is in full steam ahead growth now.  You can repot it now but if you do, go up 2 or 3 pot sizes now and don't touch the roots.  Just get yourself a 20 gallon pot, add your soil mix, dip the tree in liquid water/horemone for about 30 mins, carefully add the tree and the remaining soil too it and give it a tad bit more water.   Set the tree in the shade for about 4 days and it will be happy.   I'm in the process of doing the same thing to around 20 of my trees and it works for me.  Good luck!
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@ Reben


I did pull one(Zucchini) out of the pot and it was pretty much root bound, I gave it a heavy root pruning and re potted it on 5/14 and now it is putting lots of leafs now!
They are different variety's!
@ Frank!

I have replanted/ and lost some good young fig trees because I planted this time of year!

Thanks Guy's
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@ Dennis


Thanks Dennis, But I will not re-pot into bigger pots! I just don't want the hassel!

EDIT....Ya gotta remember guys, this old man is going on 76 years old!

Thanks 
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  • BLB

If you don't disturb the roots and just pull the tree out of the pot and plant into the ground, you should be ok. I don't live anywhere near Texas, but suspect you would be concerned with the sun burning up a freshly planted tree, but if you don't disturb the roots and give it a good drink every day for a while you should be ok.
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Thanks BLB!
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  • JD

Cecil,
Concerning your statement that "they have not grown at all this year!", I would likely check the roots, root prune if they are pot bound, and then return the trees to the same pots. I believe no growth at this time, which is different from slow growth, is not only cause for concern but time for action (lime, fertilizer, etc which you may have already considered). Obviously you know this because of what you wrote about your Zucchini "it was pretty much root bound, I gave it a heavy root pruning and re potted it on 5/14 and now it is putting lots of leafs now!". Now you have an indicator/example but not necessarily proof (of the need for action). Why not do it again?
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Thanks JD,
I just limed all my potted figs about a month ago, can't see it made any difference, I have also been fertilizing with MG 24-8-16 @ 1/2 strength.
I think you know why I want that little Zucchini to be healthy by this Fall/Winter.

We are really having lotz of trouble with the )(^&%#%*) Grasshoppers, So I'm afraid to plant anything right now, we had a guy spray our hay field for them but it looks like it was a complete failure!
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Originally Posted by Figluvah
Hello everyone!

I have some potted figs in 3 gl pots that have been in the pots most of last year and all of this year, they have not grown at all this year!

My question would be, can I root prune them next Feb. and then plant them in-ground as soon as I root prune them? in Z 8B

Thanks!


Hi Cecil
yes you can if thats the right time of year to plant in your area.

In a 3 gallon pot i would slice off no more than 1/2 Inch off the bottom of rootball and then with something real sharp i would make slice starting at top going straight down 1/2  inch deep doing 4 of them and plant as is.
You dont want to root prune it too hard as some of your 3 gallon pots rootball when to slip them out may or may not all be the same and if when you slip any out if some of the rootballs are loose where they want to fall apart just plant as is without any rootwork.
Evening is good time also .
Be gentle Cecil...lol

Cecil i did this with my inground hardy chicago just on a bigger scale cause plant is bigger .
I did add some seasoned compost and some humus along with little bit of lime and original yard dirt and watered it in.
Plant is doing very well and has main crop growing .

Hope this gives you some idea's.
Best to you.
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Thanks Martin,


I will do that this coming Feb.
Fingers crossed!

I want to thank everyone for their in-put>    It is appreciated!
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