Soils and Fertilizers

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IWannaFig

Registered:1347600492
Posts: 94

Posted 1372642069	Reply with quote #1

Thought it would be interesting to see what everyone else is using, and the results. I live in Missouri and this is my first summer with figs. My containers are black and are sitting on a concretes slab. I've been using the 5:1:1 mix. 5 Parts pine bark fines, 1 Part perlite, and, 1 part promix hp instead of the s. moss. I also add lime to the mix and as needed. I was using mg fertilizer and have switch to dyna-grow Foliage Pro 9-3-6 and dyna-grow Liquid Bloom 3-12-6. I am going to start fertilizing with every watering. I have been having some problems with my leaves, but I'm not sure if the problem is the soil mix, rain, or heat. Time will tell. I'm looking forward to doing experiments on several mixes and fertilizers next summer. __________________ Chad 6a close to Columbia MO Wish List: RDB, Wuhan, Marseilles Black VS, Cajun Honey, Petite Negri, Any Lsu strain, vdb, Hardy Chicago, Florea, Nordland Really any tasty fig

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1372643677	Reply with quote #2

Chad, I was using Happy Frog Organic and didn't like the results so I switched to EB Stone which had some better results but I am still now satisfied. So today, I got some Espoma Garden Tone and will use it in conjunction with Foliage Pro 9-3-6 which I have been using all spring. I have also toyed with Bat Guano, Kelp and fish fertilizer. I use straight out of the bag Fertilome UPM. Great stuff.

omotm

Registered:1349913471
Posts: 886

Posted 1372643825	Reply with quote #3

Photos always help identify issues. I've been using Vigoro 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer once a week. I also lightly dosed my potting mix with a little 10-10-10 solid fertilizer, pellitized dolomitc lime and worm castings. Being new at this I didn't want to add to much fertilizer or lime and kill my figlets. I can always add more later or do the liquid fertilizer like I'm doing now. The mix I'm using in my 3 gallon nursery pots is 3/4/7 coir/sifted coarse perlite/black humus. Must be an acceptable mix since my figlets seem very happy. Haven't had any issues except the sun has nearly offed a couple of my figlets but I was lucky and caught them before it was too late. __________________ Steve Houston, TX Zone 8b Wish List: Zingarella

Pmui

Registered:1368302875
Posts: 39

Posted 1372644675	Reply with quote #4

I'm totaly new to figs. I've been doing raised beds and container gardening for several years, I'm not an expert by any means. I just started with figs this year. My figs sit in a dark color pot /usually black, brown or green. I use the same mix in my standard containers: S.Moss, Perlite, vermiculite, sand, Azomite (rock dust), compost or worm castings. my proportions are 3:2:1:1 (azomite is 1 cup) and the compost is a good mixed heap into the mix. I'm looking into additional fertilizers for the figs, but have not done so yet. __________________ Peter Zone 6b (NJ): starting out fig enthus. :)

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1372646366	Reply with quote #5

modified 5:1:1. dolomite lime, and mg fertilizer. for larger containers, i'm trying out plant-tone. i have been topping them with slow release fertilizer in spring also to push early growth. reason for plant-tone is mainly due to all the rains of late. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

IWannaFig

Registered:1347600492
Posts: 94

Posted 1372646943	Reply with quote #6

@Steve, I will get some pictures posted of my leaves in a different thread. It is odd some leaves look good others look bad. I don't think the soil and fertilizer is the problem. I think it was to much rain over the past months and then it got really hot and dry. I had several nice rooted cutting I put into 1 gallon container over the winter and I lost all of them due to over watering. I believe that figuring out how much water and when to water is the biggest problem I have had. @Pete, how do you modify your 5;1;1. __________________ Chad 6a close to Columbia MO Wish List: RDB, Wuhan, Marseilles Black VS, Cajun Honey, Petite Negri, Any Lsu strain, vdb, Hardy Chicago, Florea, Nordland Really any tasty fig

7deuce

Registered:1275528558
Posts: 566

Posted 1372646943	Reply with quote #7

You are missing the lime to counteract all the acidity of the pine bark fines. I use a similar mix and fertilizer and I am happy with my results. __________________ Jason V Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/ Zone 7 Wishlist: Nothing.

IWannaFig

Registered:1347600492
Posts: 94

Posted 1372647022	Reply with quote #8

@Jason. I do have lime in my mix. I will edit that. I had to use pelletized so I've done soil testing to figure out how much and when I need it. __________________ Chad 6a close to Columbia MO Wish List: RDB, Wuhan, Marseilles Black VS, Cajun Honey, Petite Negri, Any Lsu strain, vdb, Hardy Chicago, Florea, Nordland Really any tasty fig

americanfiglover

Registered:1236649731
Posts: 643

Posted 1372647755	Reply with quote #9

man look at all you chemist. The only thing I added was blood meal and bone meal. Now I feel like I'm not doing enough after reading all of this. :( __________________ Jarrett Spokane, WA ZONE 6A Proudly Serving in the United States Armed Forces, 2009-Present Everyone should have a green thumb Figs: Nero600m

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1372648113	Reply with quote #10

chad, i use something called nature's helper. it's 50/50 pine bark fine and compost. so it's more of 2.5:2.5:1:1. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1372649157	Reply with quote #11

I put my veggie leftovers with wood chips and grass clippings into a compost bin outside. Over a few months I am getting the best possible fertilizer. Then I mix it with pine bark fines , lime, azomite, and perlite and watch the figs grow like on steroids! __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1372649579	Reply with quote #12

How i mix mine You put your right foot in, You put your right foot out, You put your right foot in And you shake it all about. You put your left foot in, You put your left foot out, You put your left foot in, And you shake it all about. You put your right hand in, You put your right hand out, You put your right hand in And you shake it all about. You put your left hand in, You put your left hand out, You put your left hand in, And you shake it all about. You put your right shoulder in, You put your right shoulder out, You put your right shoulder in, And you shake it all about. You put your left shoulder in, You put your left shoulder out, You put your left shoulder in, And you shake it all about. You put your right hip in, You put your right hip out, You put your right hip in And you shake it all about. You put your left hip in, You put your left hip out, You put your left hip in, You put your whole self in, You put your whole self out, You put your whole self in And you shake it all about. and after wards i sing to them - Thats Amore. forum needs some fun . ; )

IWannaFig

Registered:1347600492
Posts: 94

Posted 1372649818	Reply with quote #13

Lol thanks for a laugh :) seems like a lot of work but will give it a try __________________ Chad 6a close to Columbia MO Wish List: RDB, Wuhan, Marseilles Black VS, Cajun Honey, Petite Negri, Any Lsu strain, vdb, Hardy Chicago, Florea, Nordland Really any tasty fig

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1372653158	Reply with quote #14

Chad, the beer! Don't forget the beer! __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1372653526	Reply with quote #15

Chad, I use a modified 5-1-1 mix. Its now a 5-1-1-1 mix It holds more water than the original without drowning the roots. 5 - parts Pine Bark Mulch 1 - part Peat Moss 1 - part Perlite 1 - part Oil Absorbent @ Tractor Supply Plus - 1 cup Dolemite Limestone and 1 cup Espoma Plant-Tone or Garden-tone per 5 gallon of mix. (Pre-wet the mix and drain before adding the limestone and Espoma. Keep the potting mix depth a maximum of 10 - 12 inches deep in the container and mulch the top 1-2 inched with Pine Bark) Fertilizing Schedule: 1-2 year old fig trees: Weekly... Miracle Grow General purpose @ 1 tablespoon / Gallon of water. Monthly... Espoma Garden-tone or Plant-tone @ 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup Dolemite Limestone per 5 gallon container. Miracle Grow is stopped at the end of July to allow for "hardening off" but depends on your location. This fertilizer regimen is to push maximum healthy growth, at least 3-4 feet of growth last year. IMO rain should not be a problem for potted plants if the mix drains properly, and has the proper nutrients. Here are a few plants exposed to full sun and record setting rain. Inline imageChad,... I just wanted to mention that in your 5-1-1 mix the Promix HP is a little redundant. Other than Mycorrhizae and peat moss, you are already adding the other ingredients. Espoma products with Mycorrhizae have 17 different Baccili and Fungi, and includes a balanced fertilizer and micro nutrients, Promix has 1 (one). Also, If you are not adding a reasonable amount of limestone , your mix may be a little acidic due to the pine bark mulch. Pro mix Ingredients: HP Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss (65-75% by volume) Perlite - horticultural grade Dolomitic and Calcitic limestone (pH adjuster) Wetting Agent Mycorrhizae – endomycorrhizal innoculum (Glomus intraradices) BX Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss (75-85% by volume) Perlite - horticultural grade Vermiculite-horticultural grade Dolomitic and Calcitic limestone (pH adjuster) Wetting Agent Mycorrhizae – endomycorrhizal innoculum (Glomus intraradices)

OttawanZ5

Registered:1192897779
Posts: 2,551

Posted 1372653843	Reply with quote #16

Beware. Martin recipe works only on dark figs. __________________ Ottawan-Z5a, Canada

MichaelTucson

Registered:1333340598
Posts: 1,216

Posted 1372656226	Reply with quote #17

I think greenfig got it right. Beer (that's the ticket). Well, maybe beer and osmocote 10-10-10 (not sexy but it's slow release and works well, even when your schedule doesn't permit consistent attention). I use a locally sold promix, with extra perlite added for the smaller trees. Mike __________________ Pauca sed matura.

RobBanks

Registered:1355024162
Posts: 57

Posted 1372657685	Reply with quote #18

Hi everyone, I'm wondering about formulas for homemade potting soil. I'll be repotting several of last year's cuttings to bigger pots soon. Here's what I have on hand: Well rotted horse manure Compost, almost decomposed to the point of being soil (but protected from rain all the while) Peat moss Perlite Vermiculite Garden soil Any suggestions on these and also other ingredients, like lime or bone meal? I see pine bark mulch mentioned above; don't know that I need it and pretty sure I can't get it around here. What proportions of each item? TIA Robert Zone 8b, SW Washington __________________ Robert Zone 8b, Washougal, WA Currently growing: Negronne, Stella, Atreano, Hardy Chicago, Desert King, Lattarula

garden_whisperer

Registered:1353347580
Posts: 1,613

Posted 1372693756	Reply with quote #19

Chad I'm one state over in illinois. I like to go as organic as possible. So I use compost, bone meal, and blood meal. I also have rabbits that contribute to the compost mix. Now for my potted figs I use a deluted miracle grow at one third strength. When I root my cutting I do it quart size plant pots. I sell some on ebay. I simply use a miracle grow potting mix with extra perlite added. I have some of the figs on your wish list, get ahold of me in winter. __________________ Dave Zone 6b Illinois "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

cis4elk

Registered:1347840383
Posts: 1,718

Posted 1372697543	Reply with quote #20

My mix. 1 standard bag EKO organic potting soil 1 8qt blue bag Epsoma perlite screened 3 gallons screened pine bark ~ 1 cup dolomite lime ~ 1 cup kelp meal ~ 1 cup Azomite ~ 1 cup crab shell The azomite and crab shell are recent additions but the plants seem to like it, definetly no aversion to it. I am hoping some of the additions will carry over trace nutrients to me as well. I feed with 1 oz of Botanicare Pure blend hydro-organic in 2.5 gallons of water every 3rd watering. (Edit) And then I shake it all about. __________________ Calvin Littleton,CO z5/6 Wants List: For everyone to clean-up after themselves and co-exist peacefully. Let's think more about the future of our planet and less about ourselves. :)

Mithril

Registered:1372351717
Posts: 5

Posted 1372705016	Reply with quote #21

I'm completely new to figs and just followed the RHS's suggestion of using John Innes No. 3. However, my gut feeling is that it doesn't drain well enough - after watering the water remains pooled in the pot for quite some while before soking in and through. __________________ Growing (outside, in pots (wintered in a shed), in Southern England, Zone 8 / 9): Brunswick; 'Wilkinson's Unknown' (i.e. I haven't a clue); Brown Turkey Wish list: Petite Negri, Violette de Bordeaux, Reculver, Violette Normande

Womack

Registered:1328644960
Posts: 262

Posted 1372710149	Reply with quote #22

I use Fafard mix for container plants with extra perlite, pelletized lime, 10-10-10 and greensand. __________________ Womack Northwest Georgia 7b Wish list: Col de Dame Gris, Black Tuscan, Socorro Black

indestructible87

Registered:1368407095
Posts: 548

Posted 1372746453	Reply with quote #23

Pete I was just wondering myself about leaving them out in the rain in containers. Do you wait until they're bigger to put them out in the rain? We've had rain and storms daily for about a week now but there not getting as much sunlight under an awning, __________________ Travis Pittsburgh, PA

IWannaFig

Registered:1347600492
Posts: 94

Posted 1372748813	Reply with quote #24

Thanks everyone this has turned into a very informative thread. @Calvin your edit just about made me about fall out of my chair :) @Dave thanks for the offer I will get ahold of you this winter. __________________ Chad 6a close to Columbia MO Wish List: RDB, Wuhan, Marseilles Black VS, Cajun Honey, Petite Negri, Any Lsu strain, vdb, Hardy Chicago, Florea, Nordland Really any tasty fig

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1372752588	Reply with quote #25

indestructible87,... If the plant was out in full sunlight, its out in rain, regardless of the size of the container.

omotm

Registered:1349913471
Posts: 886

Posted 1372805755	Reply with quote #26

Travis, Once the danger of frost had passed here in Houston I put my 1 gallon pots outside. Didn't care if downpours were predicted. My thought is the tree has to get used to the weather some time and I'm not going to baby it. Didn't loose a figlet. __________________ Steve Houston, TX Zone 8b Wish List: Zingarella

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1372834023	Reply with quote #27

Martin, You crack me up --thanks, mgg __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

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