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Is it OK to use organic potting soil for my potted fig?

6 years ago

Hi guys. New to figs. I have a Celeste

I've read a lot on soil mixtures but I really want to keep it simple. I have some organic potting soil. Is it OK to plant the tree in this soil only?

If not, what should I mix with it? Should I put rocks on the bottom of the pot or anything like that?

If organic potting soil isn't good enough, I'd love to know a good, simple mix and any other tips for planting before I transplant into a large container.

Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

6 years ago

Potting soil has NO nutrient content unless supplied with a fertilizer additive. YOU must supply all the nutrients the plant needs........not the soil's fault :-))

btw, soil by definition is organic, as is potting soil. And the drainage enhancers added as well - perlite, grit, vermiculite, etc. It is only when you start adding synthetic fertilizers or water retention crystals that it becomes inorganic.

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Comments (6)

U S
Original Author
6 years ago
Also,My fig tree also has one or two brown/dying leaves. Should I cut these off? If so, should I cut them off all the way back to the branch?

Thanks!
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
If growing in a pot or container then all you want or need is a potting mix. Some are better than others, however. Most container gardeners avoid Miracle Gro or similar products as they are too finely sized and too water retentive. You want something with some texture (a bark based mix) and one with fast drainage.

No rocks at the bottom. Growing figs in containers is no different from growing any other tree in a container so your question is better directed to the Container Gardening forum and their many discussions on good potting soils and container growing tips.
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"Thanks BR. I see it's also got chelated iron in it, looks like a good starter product, when do you start backing off on the phosphate, or do you?" I don't. They stay wicked in that solution until they get moved outside to harden off. I do not use that product at all once the plants are outside and in the ground. Once outside I don't as a rule fertilize veggies once they are outside...sometimes a shot of 8-8-8 granular but my ground is very rich due to the rabbit manure and seldom have a need. But while say peppers are on the green light they will sometimes initiate flower buds while inside.I pick them off but seems a good sign.
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susieqz
6 years ago
most potting mixes hold too much water. that's why most of us make our own. to use what you have, you should probably mix in lots of perlite.
Ann
6 years ago
I planted a ton of things in organic bagged soil last year. They all turned pale yellow from nitrogen deficiency! Check your soil!
marcantonio
6 years ago
one year i mixed a bag of regular bumper crop with bumper crop potting soil it worked very well. the old italians who's figs do pretty well in this area use any soil and any fertilizer they have on hand. go figure.

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