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Subject: A Question For Those Who Pinch Replies: 2
Posted By: Womack Views: 428
 
James,
I don't know that I am answering your specific question, but I have been pinching the last couple of years and have noticed a couple of things. Keep in mind that I am training to a 3-4 trunk bush form on mostly in ground trees.
Pinching the tip of a trunk results in lateral branching and decreases overall height due to the delay caused by the need to form a new terminal.

The tallest of the trunks will grow the fastest so it is necessary to pinch all to similar heights to maintain balance. I also feel like pinching encourages suckers to form, which might be a particular headache for you.

I look forward to hearing how this system works for you.

Subject: Chinese Heaven Hell tree Replies: 18
Posted By: Womack Views: 693
 
James
No need to inject the root. Soil active herbicide is still either applied to foliage during active growth and is translocated by the plant to the roots.

Another option is to make one hack with a machete for every three inches of diameter and squirt one squeeze of concentrated herbicide into the hack.

Soil active herbicides can take a while for the plant to start showing the effects, but usually are dead as a hammer by the following growing season

Subject: Chinese Heaven Hell tree Replies: 18
Posted By: Womack Views: 693
 
For what it is worth
It is up to you to decide how you want to handle this situation

Applying roundup to the suckers on your property won't have an effect on the parent plant because it is a foliar active herbicide. In situations where you want to kill a tree entirely you need a soil active herbicide that actually kills the root system. There are various options with products containing the active ingredient imazipyr being useful.

Keep in mind that any plant having roots within the treatment area would be negatively impacted and new plantings would not be recommended for 6 months to 1 year.

If you only take issue with the suckers you could install a plastic barrier. Just google products to prevent bamboo spread.

You don't want to apply salt because it would be bad for your future plantings.

Subject: Oh Deer.... Replies: 29
Posted By: Womack Views: 665
 
The damage deer could do to your fig planting is highly dependent on available forage and population density. If the local deer populations are high and forage is limiting they will eat just about anything.
If populations are at more sustainable levels and forage is readily available you probably won't see much if any damage.

In general animals don't like to browse figs because of the latex sap produced when they are injured. The sap is an irritant.

The most probable damage to figs committed by deer would be rubbing of antlers on trucks during the fall.

Subject: Honey Figs Defined Replies: 16
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,302
 
To me a honey type will literally have the flavor of a spoonful of honey when allowed to get fully ripe. From my humble experience they have tended to have amber to light colored flesh and lighter colored skins although this may not always be the case.

Honey dripping from the eye of a fig can occur under the right conditions and ripeness regardless of flavor. Some varieties do seem more prone to this trait than others in my yard.

Varieties that have exhibited a honey flavor for me include
Lemon
Troiano Calabrese
Italian honey

Subject: Azomite: Anyone Using It? Replies: 7
Posted By: Womack Views: 707
 
I haven't used azomite but I routinely use greensand with my vegetable garden, fruit orchard and figs. I believe it helps provide trace minerals as well as potassium.

Subject: Your Favorite Tasting Fig Replies: 82
Posted By: Womack Views: 24,815
 
For me this year the best were Preto, JH Adriatic, LSU Scott's Black. I have several varieties that I have high hopes for next year that didn't properly fruit this year.

Subject: Which was your best fig this year? Replies: 44
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,768
 
Best for me this year so far is JH Adriatic followed by LSU Black. I have a few Preto and CDDN trying to ripen now. We'll see how their flavor is in this less than ideal weather.

Subject: What's Eating My Trees Replies: 21
Posted By: Womack Views: 738
 
You can rule out foxes, raccoon, and bear. Cottontail rabbits can browse up to 18 inches standing on their hind legs. Jack rabbits could browse higher than that. I would find odd though for a rabbit to venture onto a deck. If you look closely at the browsed stems if it is a rodent it will show a clean cut on both sides of the twig.

I am not familiar enough with the various species of rodents in Colorado to venture a specific guess, but in general I think it could be a large rat or gopher and less likely a rabbit. You can trap just about any rodent in a have a heart live trap using a mix of oats and peanut butter. It never hurts to throw in a couple of Pieces of dried apple to sweeten the bargain.

Blood meal is a good deterrent for rabbits, but must be reapplied after a couple of rains
Let us know what you catch

Subject: Brogiotto Nero Replies: 8
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,013
 
KK,
Thanks for posting these pictures and flavor descriptions. I have a young tree with a couple of fruits. I doubt they will ripen, but will leave them on and see what happens.

Subject: LSU Scott's Black Replies: 7
Posted By: Womack Views: 504
 
I agree with the positive reviews. My tree has been ripening fruit for a couple of weeks now and they have had good sweet rich flavor. I also like the size.

Subject: Three cultivars got ripe fruits here: they are: Replies: 81
Posted By: Womack Views: 3,674
 
James,
it is good to hear your results showing Malta blacks hardiness. The fruit size on my Malta black has been variable. The first couple to ripen were the size you mention. Since then they have been larger at around ping pong ball size.

The MBVS has been pretty steady regarding size.

My hardiest varieties last winter that didn't even have any tip dieback were:
MBVS, Malta black, and JH Adriatic. All trees were over wintered in my barn the only heat protection they had was a light bulb on the coldest nights. They were protected from wind and temperature extremes by bales of wheat straw covered with moving blankets.

Subject: Three cultivars got ripe fruits here: they are: Replies: 81
Posted By: Womack Views: 3,674
 
Herman,
Thanks for the response. I was able to taste a few JH Adriatic last year and they did taste great. That is why I planted two of them.

I tasted some more Malta black and MBVS today and they are both very sweet and flavorful.

Can't wait for the LSU Scott's Black to start ripening because it also had some great figs last year.


Subject: Three cultivars got ripe fruits here: they are: Replies: 81
Posted By: Womack Views: 3,674
 
Herman,
I got fruits from my inground Malta black and MBVS three weeks ago. They didn't have any die back because I didn't plant them out until this spring. RDB died back to within a few inches of soil Line. It is potted and has been fruiting for two weeks.

My two inground JH Adriatics have still not ripened fruit yet. I would be curious to know what your ripening sequence for these varieties has been in the past.

Thanks

Subject: More Reasons to Love Staten Island - Figs Soaked in Grapa Replies: 9
Posted By: Womack Views: 448
 
Good article
I enjoyed it

Thanks

Subject: OT Carolina Reaper Replies: 42
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,664
 
Great video!
Exactly the outcome you might expect from eating satan's testicles.

Subject: Bears n figs Replies: 5
Posted By: Womack Views: 417
 
A bear will definitely be attracted to ripe figs and if they go after them would do major damage to the limbs. They are not gentle

Subject: Acciano...A must have fig Replies: 46
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,305
 
Kubota,
Thanks for answering my question. I spelled your tag right before but the computer changed it. For me I was lucky enough to get Salce, acciano, Troiano calabrese, unknown Molise black, and Mario unknown yellow(probably dottato ) to root. I am glad that the taste was so good for you andlook forward to tasting this variety again.

Subject: Acciano...A must have fig Replies: 46
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,305
 
Kunitz,
How was the skin on yours. I got to taste this variety last year on a young plant and the skin was pretty tough. I chalked it up to immaturity. I am glad to hear your report and look forward to trying this variety again.

Did you get cuttings from Mario of his unknown Molise black?

Subject: Long story short...new Portuguese variety discovered locally ? Replies: 9
Posted By: Womack Views: 642
 
Sue,
Interesting news. I look forward to hearing any new information on this fig. Point loma has a pretty good track record of harboring some great varieties. Keep us posted

Subject: kudzu bugs and what to do with them? Replies: 14
Posted By: Womack Views: 561
 
I have seen them around here for the last couple of years. They are an Asian import and feed on legumes including kudzu. There is some concern that they will be a problem for soybean farmers. They can be killed if sprayed with an pyrethroid based insecticide. If crushed they put out an unpleasant smell similar to stink bugs.

Subject: Fig Tree Mauled (again) Replies: 38
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,590
 
Cyber farmer,
I would follow dieselers advice on how to handle the tree.
The damage looks like rabbit to me. I would place a hardware cloth ring around the new growth that is at least eighteen inches high to prevent new damage and for good measure you should mow the vegetation short within 40 feet. The current vegetation is only providing cover that allows the rabbits to feel comfortable.

Good luck

Subject: OT: another round of "snow" in Nc Replies: 57
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,742
 
Kubota,
We have gotten around 8 inches of snow the last couple of days,
But the weather man said that this time next week we will be in the mid 60's. I am starting to think about spring more and more. Here is hoping you get some warm weather and sunshine.

Dieseler, it is a dusting, I like an occasional snow but not ice like Atlanta is getting right now.

Pete, it looks pretty flat where you are. Are you going to be able to find a hill for kids to sled down?

Subject: OT: another round of "snow" in Nc Replies: 57
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,742
 
Pete,
We had the opposite problem night before last. Forecast called for a few flurries but no accumulation. I woke up to three inches on the ground and a total of around five inches by yesterday afternoon. It is snowing again now. Maybe your kids will at least get enough to do some sledding

Subject: I made a Figloo Replies: 6
Posted By: Womack Views: 608
 
Jon,
Thanks for the encouragement.  I hope they pull through. Most of the trees were rooted last winter and grew nicely all summer in 5 gallon buckets.  I intend to plant around twenty varieties as an orchard on my property this spring.

Gorgi,
Thanks for the link.  Jon's figloo is the ritz compared to what I built, but then again the winter last a lot longer up there.

Subject: I made a Figloo Replies: 6
Posted By: Womack Views: 608
 
Boone,
Bales are stacked in one of the stalls in my barn. No way for the light to come into contact with the straw unless the walls collapse. hopefully that won't be an issue. won't actually turn the light on until tomorrow. sorry I didn't take pictures.

Strudeldog,
Good luck with your plants. I also planted two apricots and a plum on Saturday. Hope they make it through without any damage.

Subject: I made a Figloo Replies: 6
Posted By: Womack Views: 608
 
It is supposed to get down to 4 degrees here tomorrow with 20 mph wind gusting to 35. I had all my figs in the barn, but didn't think they were ready for the forecasted conditions over the next couple of days. I took bales of wheat straw and stacked them to make a small room. I hung a light from boards that made the ceiling. Covered the boards with moving blankets and covered the blankets with more boards to keep the wind from blowing them around.

It looks pretty snug. We'll see how they pull through.

Subject: Santa's List 2013 Replies: 48
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,459
 
Alan,
I agree with you. I have only recently been able to start paying forward the generosity of members who gifted me cuttings, but that is what it is all about.

I also think we serve a vital role in preserving these varieties. Particularly the ones that have the best flavor. I have other fruits including an heirloom southern apple orchard. These varieties are great for various uses and can't be found in stores. Same as figs.

Subject: IGO fig? comments? Replies: 31
Posted By: Womack Views: 3,368
 
Jon,
Are the pictures you posted from the Igo that you acquired from someone in Ga?

I would also like to know your opinion of the taste.

Subject: Santa's List 2013 Replies: 48
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,459
 
Alan,

Great gesture to offer cuttings.

Merry Christmas to all

Subject: Santa's List 2013 Replies: 48
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,459
 
Great to read all the replies. Lot of the usual suspects listed and some I haven't heard of.
Keep em coming.

Subject: Santa's List 2013 Replies: 48
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,459
 
Just for fun. If you could only ask for one variety what would it be? I would want a col de dame Gris to eventually try in ground in my area.

I look forward to hearing everyone's responses, and who knows maybe a generous member will make a wish come true.

Subject: Family tree help needed Brogiotto Nero Replies: 26
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,223
 
I will be comparing brogiotto Nero and bourjasotte Gris next growing season. If the synonyms are correct these two varieties should only differ in color. Neither have fruited for me yet.

Subject: Moles and Figs Replies: 8
Posted By: Womack Views: 693
 
Definitely a vole

Subject: New Brandy / Scott's Yellow Replies: 19
Posted By: Womack Views: 2,116
 
Kerry,
I can't give you a definitive answer but the leaves and fruit look like my Scott's black. I got it from Bass last year. The couple of fruit I got this year were dark purple, and I think it might be attributable to the combination of young tree age and cool weather at ripening. I thought the flavor was very good especially given the less than ideal conditions and I look forward to seeing how much better it gets with maturity.

Subject: Vasilika Sika, Stella and others. Replies: 16
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,506
 
Kubota,
Is the Troiano calabrese of yours from Mario in Kentucky? How did you think it taste

I have one from him and the pulp is amber. It is interesting how pulp can be different colors.

Subject: Need motivation to tackle those pesky squirrels? Replies: 28
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,403
 
Tam,
I don't know where you got your info from but there is a legal hunting season for gray squirrel in all states that I aware of including Maryland and Virginia. The legal hunting season last from fall through winter and at this time of year squirrels do not have offspring.

Squirrels make good table fare and although compared to chicken sometimes it really just taste like squirrel. I see know problem with someone consuming an animal that has been consuming their produce.

Subject: Rethinking ripening Replies: 8
Posted By: Womack Views: 586
 
Jon,
Your observations are consistent with my recent conditions as well. I have a feeling that both sunlight and temperature are important, but also wonder how humidity is involved to.

Everyone's thoughts on this are appreciated.

Subject: What's your best black tasting fig for 2013?(one only...) Replies: 52
Posted By: Womack Views: 4,914
 
I agree with ottowan as vista for my best this year. However I ate my first LSU Scott's black today and it was surprisingly good given our recent weather.

Subject: First Year Pruning Replies: 13
Posted By: Womack Views: 926
 
If they are single trunks it will be pretty easy. In late winter before bud break just top the tree at the height 6 inches above where you want branches to develop. Cutting the top will induce branching.

Subject: So disappointed! Deer damage Replies: 39
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,346
 
Whitetail deer can jump a fence less than 8 feet. However an effective method for keeping deer out of orchards or vegetable gardens is to install an electric fence. Go with three strands spaced one foot apart with the top wire at 3 feet high. On this top wire crimp aluminum foil at thirty foot intervals and dab peanut butter on it. Deer go for peanut butter, get zapped, and stay away.

Urine may work for a short while but will lose its effectiveness over time.

The best way to decrease deer damage issues is to lower the population through hunting. Venison is also delicious.

Subject: Figs Tasted This Year Replies: 3
Posted By: Womack Views: 446
 
So this year I have been fortunate to taste several new varieties. All varieties were 1-2 years old.

Ronde de Bordeaux was good flavor but would have been better if I had allowed to hang a couple more days

Paradiso Nero Mario was good size and very sweet

Salce. Very sweet good flavor

Vista very good sweet with berry and fig flavor

JH Adriatic sweet fruity almost strawberry flavor

Improved Celeste was okay but ripened during wet weather and i only kept it from exploding by moving under carport

Still have a couple more varieties I should be able to try this year but if I had to pick a winner to date it would be Vista. However JH Adriatic is a very close second.

Subject: Col De Dame Blanc Replies: 111
Posted By: Womack Views: 10,306
 
Tam,
Great find. If possible when you help rework the tree this fall I would love to obtain some cuttings. I would like to see how it does in northwest Georgia. Either way I appreciate your posting of pictures and information.

Subject: Figs and boiled peanuts Replies: 16
Posted By: Womack Views: 870
 
In South Georgia some school agriculture programs sell locally canned boiled peanuts as a fund raiser.

Subject: Salce Replies: 14
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,117
 
Thanks for the pics and flavor description. This tree rooted good for me and has been a vigorous grower. Have left several fruit on a couple so I will hopefully get to taste this year.

Have Paradiso Nero Mario that will be ripe soon as well.

Subject: 10 different figs Replies: 20
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,110
 
So how did they taste...
Particularly the Preto

Subject: Fig of the Day - Celeste 08-16-2013 Replies: 45
Posted By: Womack Views: 5,848
 
In northwest Georgia Celeste is the most common variety along with brown turkey and lemon. To me it is the best flavored of the three. I agree with the date description for flavor. When they get ripe and start to dry out they can have a brown sugar sweetness. Also the best fig for making traditional southern whole fig preserves.

Subject: Noire de Barbentane Replies: 8
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,668
 
Great pictures. Thanks for posting

Subject: Paul's crops Replies: 12
Posted By: Womack Views: 910
 
Paul,
I am very interested in hearing info you can provide for Igo. I was given a couple of cuttings of this variety last winter by a very generous forum member, but managed to kill them. I hope to give Igo another shot in the future.

Subject: Barnissotte Figs Replies: 15
Posted By: Womack Views: 1,066
 
Tom,
Thanks for answering my question and posting more pictures. I have a couple of varieties that are supposed to be synonymous with and/or similar to barnisotte, but they haven't fruited for me yet.

Thanks again