Many on this forum are familiar with Tapla's writings on 'Container Soil' in the past. Tapla has started a new thread " Container Soils - Water Movement and Retention XXI" on the GW forum a couple of weeks ago. I thought many on this forum will benefit from its contents. Here is the link for the new thread:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg011449584897.html

Thanks for the link Ottawan.I've considered Tapla's work the definitive on potting media.
Highly recommended.

Thanks for the heads up! I greatly benefited from reading his past posts, with detailed and patient explanations. That thread is superb.  

Spoiler Alert: (Synopsis for those who are impatient) The 5:1:1 mix: 5 parts pine bark fines, dust - 3/8" (size is important) 1 part sphagnum peat (not reed or sedge peat please) 1-2 parts perlite (coarse, if you can get it) garden lime (or gypsum in some cases) controlled release fertilizer (if preferred) Big batch: 2-3 cu ft pine bark fines 5 gallons peat 5 gallons perlite 2 cups dolomitic (garden) lime (or gypsum in some cases) 2 cups CRF (if preferred) Small batch: 3 gallons pine bark 1/2 gallon peat 1/2 gallon perlite 4 tbsp lime (or gypsum in some cases) 1/4 cup CRF (if preferred)

I'm curious about folks' experience using the 5:1:1(:1) mix for figs and what kind of watering schedule using that mix entails.   If I had figs in 5-10 gal containers filled with the 5:1:1, I imagine I'd be watering daily(or more) during the summer months, and a drip-irrigation system would be the way to go for convenience.  

Thanks Ottawan. As many people know I'm testing my own soil mix now (See my " Rich's Super Mega Mix") thread. I've read allot of papers from professionals on this as well as many of Tapla's posts. I really don't think that his 5:1:1 or "Gritty Mix" recipes are very well thought out and are certainly not backed up with data like so many of the others papers are. There are better recipes

[QUOTE=zone5figger]I'm curious about folks' experience using the 5:1:1(:1) mix for figs and what kind of watering schedule using that mix entails.   If I had figs in 5-10 gal containers filled with the 5:1:1, I imagine I'd be watering daily(or more) during the summer months, and a drip-irrigation system would be the way to go for convenience.  [/QUOTE]

I've read that's the main downside to it...well drained for good root development but needs a lot of watering.

I have many links on the subject in this thread. Unfortunately it was high-jacked for a little while. Foruntuately it's back on track. I will post the recipe I will use on the up potting from 5gal to 20 gals I will do in the spring later http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/richs-super-mega-mix-7083529?highlight=super+mega+mix&trail=50

[QUOTE=RichinNJ]I've read allot of papers from professionals on this as well as many of Tapla's posts. I really don't think that his 5:1:1 or "Gritty Mix" recipes are very well thought out and are certainly not backed up with data like so many of the others papers are.

There are better recipes[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=RichinNJ]I have many links on the subject in this thread. Unfortunately it was high-jacked for a little while. Foruntuately it's back on track. I will post the recipe I will use on the up potting from 5gal to 20 gals I will do in the spring later http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/richs-super-mega-mix-7083529?highlight=super+mega+mix&trail=50[/QUOTE]

Rich, why are you always trying to start a fight over potting mixes? It's not the first time this has happened and it always ends badly with people quitting the forum.

We're just trying to share what works for each person.

One can find research that supports nearly any standpoint, research is unfortunately not always black and white. Some people have had great success using the 5-1-1 mix, others with the gritty mix, and others using off the shelf potting mixes. No need to try and discredit everyone with a different viewpoint than you on the matter.

I have found Tapla's threads to be very enlightening and will use parts of his information this year as I think it will benefit me. MANY people have found his mix to be excellent, that's why there are 20 some consecutive threads on the topic over on GardenWeb.

Thanks for sharing, Ottawan!

Thanks Ottawan. 
As Kelby said, there isn't a one-size fits all.  Figs will grow in all kinds of mixes with outstanding results.

[QUOTE=Ampersand][QUOTE=RichinNJ]I've read allot of papers from professionals on this as well as many of Tapla's posts. I really don't think that his 5:1:1 or "Gritty Mix" recipes are very well thought out and are certainly not backed up with data like so many of the others papers are.

There are better recipes[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=RichinNJ]I have many links on the subject in this thread. Unfortunately it was high-jacked for a little while. Foruntuately it's back on track. I will post the recipe I will use on the up potting from 5gal to 20 gals I will do in the spring later http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/richs-super-mega-mix-7083529?highlight=super+mega+mix&trail=50[/QUOTE]

Rich, why are you always trying to start a fight over potting mixes? It's not the first time this has happened and it always ends badly with people quitting the forum.

We're just trying to share what works for each person.

One can find research that supports nearly any standpoint, research is unfortunately not always black and white. Some people have had great success using the 5-1-1 mix, others with the gritty mix, and others using off the shelf potting mixes. No need to try and discredit everyone with a different viewpoint than you on the matter.

I have found Tapla's threads to be very enlightening and will use parts of his information this year as I think it will benefit me. MANY people have found his mix to be excellent, that's why there are 20 some consecutive threads on the topic over on GardenWeb.

Thanks for sharing, Ottawan![/QUOTE] You seem to have a real chip on your shoulder there Ampersand. Didn't you write about how you hated this forum, Jon and a whole bunch of nasty stuff on that other forum. I think you also said you were never coming back here. And look! Your back and the Drama begins all over again

[QUOTE=Ampersand][QUOTE=RichinNJ]I've read allot of papers from professionals on this as well as many of Tapla's posts. I really don't think that his 5:1:1 or "Gritty Mix" recipes are very well thought out and are certainly not backed up with data like so many of the others papers are.

There are better recipes[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=RichinNJ]I have many links on the subject in this thread. Unfortunately it was high-jacked for a little while. Foruntuately it's back on track. I will post the recipe I will use on the up potting from 5gal to 20 gals I will do in the spring later http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/richs-super-mega-mix-7083529?highlight=super+mega+mix&trail=50[/QUOTE]

Rich, why are you always trying to start a fight over potting mixes? It's not the first time this has happened and it always ends badly with people quitting the forum.

We're just trying to share what works for each person.

One can find research that supports nearly any standpoint, research is unfortunately not always black and white. Some people have had great success using the 5-1-1 mix, others with the gritty mix, and others using off the shelf potting mixes. No need to try and discredit everyone with a different viewpoint than you on the matter.

I have found Tapla's threads to be very enlightening and will use parts of his information this year as I think it will benefit me. MANY people have found his mix to be excellent, that's why there are 20 some consecutive threads on the topic over on GardenWeb.

Frank, you are spot on with the pine bark fines mixture. I have been using a very similar mixture for some time now with great results.

Sheesh, I make a legitimate point and off you go. Have a nice day, Rich. I'm flattered that you feel the need to stalk me, though.

When i buy my larger fig plants at a nursery close by. I have shipped a few bare rooted .... when i empty and flush the roots it looks just like what is described. With the time released fertilizer balls in it. I save the soil and use it on my own in ground figs they all growing extremely well

Akram,

Thanks for the very informative link.
I like all the well thought combinations from FMD and RichinNJ.
You can't go wrong with any of them, one needs to adjust or chose the right combo for their own climate conditions.
Alway customize.