Question
I was recently given a healthy fica that was kept indoors. It is alot bigger in my home than it appeared in my girlfrinds.  Can I put it outdoors for the summer, and if so can I take it out of the pot and put in my garden?  And how much sun?  Thank you-upstate NY

Answer
Hi Donna,
Thanx for your question.  It has been my experience that all my houseplants enjoyed a summer vacation.  Depending upon the plant will depend upon where one puts it in the yard.  Your ficus will benefit from a place in the yard that doesn't get direct sunlight but maybe dappled shade (not complete shade) or just a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning.  Place the ficus outdoors after all danger of frost is past and the days are consistently warm and not chilly, otherwise the plant will start losing leaves.  Keep the soil moist but not soggy.  If you have regular rain (weekly)that should do the trick but sometimes in the hot summer, the plant will require supplemental watering.  Provide the plant with light feedings of a 12-12-12 balanced fertilizer at the beginnning and in mid-summer.  I woul dnot remove it from the pot.  The roots will spread out and it will be impossible to plant it back in the pot.  I hope this helps.
tom