Going on vacation soon.  The neighbor's son (age 13) will be in charge of watering my 9 fig trees.  I'm nervous - but must have faith!!!  He knows how I am about my babies...

Anyone else feeling this way?

Yeah- I haven't gone on my honeymoon yet and I've been married for 5 Years!!! LOL

I always shudder about vacations.  I have a good neighbor - I take care of his japanese citrus, he takes care of my figs.  But I have around 70 trees, not just 9.  9 would be much easier.

Should be ok if the kid is responsible and if he knows a little about gardening so he knows how much to water etc. I usually have a gardening friend tend to my stuff if I am away. Only 9 trees, should be foolproof.

When in doubt, spray the pot for 10 seconds per plant every morning is ultra hot areas, you can't really go wrong....

My only recommendation is have your plants taken care of by a "plant person". People who do not appreciate plants just don't have the investment follow through to care about you trees.

My 7 year old can now recognize a wilty tree. I call every evening when on travel to remind him to water.

Also, BE SURE TO HAVE HIM PRACTICE WITH YOU THERE!

I feel your pain, I just returned from a 10 day trip and had left my trees in my sons care. One son took care of them for the first 5 days and then went to work. The second son took care of the the last 5 days. The minute I hit the yard I was off to my trees. The in ground trees were fine as I expected but I was a little disappointed, OK, a lot disappointed when I saw my potted trees. I had put them under a mulberry tree in deep shade so that even a poor watering job wouldn't affect them as bad. Well the first two I saw had leaves dried on them. Two others were wilted and the rest were OK. At least it was trees that I can replace easily that were hardest hit, and maybe they might still make it. So be careful in who you choose. Perhaps you can explain to his parents the importance of the watering routine so they will keep an eye on him or remind him to do it. Good luck.
"gene"

Installing a watering or sprinkler system is worth the trouble, expense and lack of heartache after time away from your plants... You can still have a neighbor or friend just visit to make sure everything is being watered....

A simple hose attached to a timer and a raised toro head can cover enough area to congregate your potted plants and keep them alive as you enjoy a few days vacation...

However I, do your feel you pain, I have returned home from travel and a visit to the backyard turned my trip upside down. Stuff happens when you're not around, especially if there is wildlife in your yard....
Gene, hope your plants just start throwing out new foliage asap...

Ben

once i move the trees to bigger pot, i'll have to see how long the leaves will go without drooping after watering in the shade.. vacation is coming up and i really don't have anyone who can come and water the trees.

pete

I am going on Vacation for 3 weeks to West Coast (Road trip), so I got this " Drip and Micro Sprinkler System" http://www.mrdrip.com/kitge200.htm , also got timer so I can set every day watering for xx minutes. Already have conected about  25 pots and there are 6 more to go. For under $ 100 and it does the job.  I will still ask neighbor to check my figs every 2-3 days just to be sure.

Just purchased a drip system to hook up to the hose bib.  We have several potted citrus in addition to potted figs.  I figure it'll save me the chore of watering the plants every few days as well as leaving me worry-free on vacation.  Plus it'll come in handy should I ever build a greenhouse.

Thanks all for your words of wisdom and inspiration. 

The neighbor kid is very responsible, and I will do some practice runs with him.  My trees vary from 5-foot tall twelve-year olds, to 1-foot tall one year olds, and everything in between  - all in containers, and buried for the season. 

I will keep in touch with him every other day or so...

Thanks again.