Hello

I am looking to move to south Florida and have been told that you cannot grow figs in the ground there because of the soil nematodes?

I have been told that the only way to avoid them is to pot the fig in at least a 30 gallon pot with the bottom cut out for drainage but it has to be deeper than 30 inches and the rim of the pot must extent 2 inches above the soil level to prevent infection.....is this true.

Also, aren't their any types of beneficial nematodes the could be introduced to combat the injurious ones?

Any other suggestions always appreciated.

I am in central Florida and have not had a problem with mine.  I plant mine and then mulch very heavily.  The electric company tree trimmers will deliver free mulch if you need a lot.  Not high quality but with 20+ trees, it does save money.  With just a few trees, pine bark will work.  Another option is to take a plastic 5 gallon bucket and cut out the very bottom and then cut in half.  Dig your hold and place the cylinder in the ground with about 1-2 inches above the ground.  Plant you fig in the hole, fill as normal and mulch.  The fig roots will be forced to go deep to spread.  Nematodes can only live in the top 10-12 inches of soil and need light to survive.

check this out
[video]http://youtu.be/DXWU9Ds-J58[/video]

You can have a soil test done that will tell you what kind on nematodes you have and a percentage. I did one for pastures in the spring. Turned out I hag more good ones than bad. It cost $25 and also major and mine elements needed for the crop to be grown. A very good investment I think, it takes out the guess work IMHO.