Fig trees are the fruit of choice at the moment. A versatile fruit, they taste their best when they are freshly plucked off the tree. This is the reason many people want to grow their own, but beware figs are not the tree for small backyards as their root system is very destructive. They are closely related to the Rubber Tree, the bane of many homeowners lives in the 70’s. It is for this reason that figs went out of favour for many years as they are the perfect tree for larger land holdings or parks.

But all is not lost, figs will grow and fruit successfully in a large pot in a small garden.

• Select a pot at least 60cm in diametre, remembering this will be the home for the fig tree for at least 10 years its worth investing in a good quality pot.
• Add coarse sand to the potting mix at the base of the pot. This will help improve drainage for years to come.
• Lift the pot up off the ground with pot feet or paving bricks. It’s important that there is air space between the base of the pot and the ground as figs are notorious for rooting into the ground.
• Place in a sunny position and apply Seasol and PowerFeed every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season.

After a few years it’s possible to rejuvenate the soil by removing 1-2 litres (depending upon the size of the pot) and replacing with new potting mix when the tree is dormant through winter. This can be done in at least three places around the soil surface. Next year this practice can be repeated in a different position. Replacing the soil will reduce the need to repot the tree. Remember each time you do this watering in with Seasol (30mL per 9 litres of water). If you find the older potting mix is drying out and not taking up water, apply Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner (50mL per 9 litres of water)