Info on fig trees, please.

I bougt a fig tree and read that it needs to be burried in a pot so the roots don't grow too much and it concentrates on fruits.
What kind of soil does it need? Can I leave it in the pot?

I have 5 fig trees and all are directly planted in the ground. They put on LOADS of fruit every year--enough for me and my family and all the neighborhood birds. The big thing I learned about starting newly planted fig trees is that they need LOTS of water for the first couple of summers. After they have set down ample roots they do great. BTW, when I planted mine, I amended the soil with composted cow manure and peat. They all did real well so apparently like that combo. Also, in case you aren't aware--after your tree gets good size to it, you can take a limb and peg it to the ground for about a year and it will take root. You can then clip it free of the mother plant, dig it up, and you will have another fig tree.

my old place had several fig trees, they love water and I just bought one for my new place, a turkey brown.

Fig are popular because they like many soil types.

Just one problem, birds love them more so then humans ;) but what helps wild life is good for us.

I did the manure mixxing bit too, then a person from a nursery told me not to mix because the manure can take nitrogen and other stuff from the ground. She told me to leave it on the top of the soil/mound, which will let the nutrients flow down with the rain water.

Turkey brown is my favorite--nice big, sweet figs. They make wonderful fig preserves too. I've used manure in planting for 40+ years and never had a problem. The trick is to be sure it's composted.

Hey. While y'all are on the topic...
My fig is way taller than I can reach.
Should I just let it keep getting taller?
Can I prune it on top?
If I can/should prune, when is the proper time?

I would let it continue to get taller if that would guarantee that the birds and squirrels would only put holes in the top ones, but they choose to take a bite out of a fresh one each time they return.
The ants love them too! But I just brush them off is the fruit hasn't burst yet.

Our tree yeilds plenty for now. Since I do not know how to store them, we just can't eat them all because they rippen so close together and if you don't get themimmediatley, they rot on the tree. (half eaten of course). Other than learning to preserve, how can I improve the raw edible life. The fridge only gives you about an extra 2 days.
I hate loosing them each year because I LOVE them so much. But I can't eat more than 2, maybe 3 a day...they are like syurp. (Plus, the tree is so tall, I can't reach at least 1/3 of them. Again, I wish I could train the birds and squirrels to forage up at the top!

Lots of rambling, but can anyone help me out?

It is more a question, than an answer, I also have a figtree and would like
to know proper care for it. I live in Canada and can not leave it outside,
it would freeze, so what is the best thing to do for me, or rather my tree
that is now about 2ft tall and ready to go on my balcony.
Does anyone has any ideas for it???
Gerri

That's why you don't see fresh figs at the grocery - they're just too perishable. You can either learn how to can them, just let the birds eat them, or compost them.

Canning them is really easy and you don't even need pectin. Here are dome canning info about figs. They're great on some hot biscuits!!

http://www.pickyourown.org/figs.htm

we have fresh figs every year, when in california season, at our publix grocery store here in florida...no local ones though.

Pruning your fig tree should be done when the tree goes dormant. When all the leaves fall off. There are two basic ways to grow fig trees, 1 way is in a tree form and 2 in a bush or shrub form. Depending on the type of fig plant it is and what area your from, zone. For me a fig plant that is easy to pick from is the right size. If you do prune your fig trees you can make new trees with the cuttings or give them away to others either by handing them or mailing them. You should cut them in about 8" pieces and keep cold as in the fridge, but don't freeze. If you send out to members it's customary for them to pay the shipping. Depending on your zone you can grow in pot or in the ground,some types are hardier then others.
Gerri: For a tree in a pot lots to consider, size of tree and pot. As the tree get's bigger so should the pot. In the beginning of a new season you should and a cup of dolcimite lime and acouple tbsps of a slow release fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio. A tree in the ground does not need fertilizer. Also every 3 years you should root prune the tree while dormant, just before it's going to bud. Don't be afraid of hurting it, remove at least 1/3 of the roots( just for trees in pots ). To learn more there are 2 forums with lots of members with plenty of knowledge to help fig4fun and gardenweb has a section just for figs. there are quite a few members from Canada that can help you deal with the conditions in your zone. Sorry if things are mixed up a little bit, kinda doing 4 things a once. If you have more questions, I'll do my best to answer.

luke

Easy Raspberry Fig Preserves

3 cups ripe figs, mashed
3 cups sugar
2 (3 oz) pkgs raspberry jello

Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and cook 4 minutesat a roaring boil. Stir frequently. Use strainer to remove and skim on top.. Pour into hot sterilized jars. Seal with hot lids and rings. Makes 8 1/2 pints.
can use strawberryor cherry jello also.

I made this last year and my husband loves it. No need to boil bath. It begins to lose it's flavor after 6 months.

I canned canned 18 half-pint jars of fig preserves yesterday. I just followed my Mom's recipe, that was also her mom's recipe, that was also her mom's recipe. Mom taught me the same way her mom taught her: Put the figs in a pot add some sugar. Add a sliced lemon. Heat them up. Mash them. Taste to see if there's enough sugar. Cook & mash until desired texture. Taste again to see if there's enough sugar. Put it in jars & boil for about 10 minutes.

Honestly, that's just how Mom taught me to make them. And she said that's how her mom taught her. I also discovered that I like my figs a little less sweet than Mom made hers. My Dad had a real sweet tooth.

I sell these at a farmer's market and everyone just loves them.
Jo-Ann