Register  |   | 
 
 
 


The search returned 448 posts

Only find topics started by blueboy1977
   
Topics  |  Posts
Subject: Going to be a busy winter...... Replies: 48
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,475
 
Beast mode!!!!!!;)

Subject: OT The dangers of gardening Replies: 31
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 932
 
LOL, nice story Wills! Gotta give props to Johnny, got a good laugh out of his comment. Funny thing is, I've lost my wedding ring 3 times in the last 7 years while fishing. Same sinario too. Wade fishing, catch a trout and string it. Go to fling off the slime and there she goes! But playing with your snake and lossing your wedding ring......classic;)

Subject: been in and out of hospital for a week.. Replies: 55
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,759
 
Saying a prayer for you Pete for a speedy recovery!

Subject: Young LSU Purple Replies: 4
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 377
 
I had several 3rd year LSU Purps this past season I noticed the same flavor profile you described. Nothing really grabbed my attention about it. Just sweet and figgy. I wonder if ever develops any other flavor notes?

Subject: OT Sweetcrisp Blueberries Replies: 44
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,786
 
Thanks Wills! They arrived yesterday in good shape. Just potted them up in 3 gallon pots. Up to 6 Sweetcrisp now. 4 mature plants and 2 up and coming! Life is great

Subject: OT Sweetcrisp Blueberries Replies: 44
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,786
 
Looks good Wills! I do the same thing when planting new blues especially in ground. Most blues that are grown in pots have a thick root mass of very fine root hairs and they need to be roughed up or cut to free them up to spread out. Either way, you have to cut the top to balance out the root loss after cutting the root ball. Sweetcrisp is a very vigorous grower and will respond with huge flushes of growth the following year and will fruit for you the the second season. In a long and warm growing zone Sweetcrisp will get very leggy with thin branches if not tipped often! I tip my Sweetcrisp about every 6 inches of new growth and even then my plants still look thin branched and leggy but not even close to a unchecked plant. I gave my father a Sweetcrisp plant last year and this year he didn't pinch all. His branches are over 4ft long and laying all over the ground. Pinching will shorten and strengthen the branches plus promote branching which is a good thing. More branches more fruit. The best thing about Sweetcrisp other then it's flavor is that you will not need to limit the amount of fruit buds in the spring like most all other Southern High Bushes. Stay on top of watering, give it a good hard prune after fruit harvest (for southern growers, northern growers may need to take a different approach) and be sure to tip new growth during the summer after the prune and your plants will be full and strong! Happy growing!!!!!

Subject: $1 cuttings Replies: 61
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 2,589
 
Rui does it again! Generous man he is! Definitely one of the good ones;)

Subject: OT Sweetcrisp Blueberries Replies: 44
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,786
 
Yup, Wills is a BEAST!!! Thanks for your hard work and relentless pursuit! You just seem to make stuff happen man. Envious in Houston Tx;)

Subject: OT Sweetcrisp Blueberries Replies: 44
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,786
 
Uncle Wills is spot on! I will touch a little on growing them in pots as that's all I have. I have learned some things the hard way mostly regarding to the use of sulfur. I burned several plants in pots using sulfur and will not ever use it again. One reason is I use rain water only on my blues and the use of sulfur with rain water requires a very light hand when applying sulfur. I never could figure out how much to use. It was always a guessing game. Then I quit using it all together and focused on having the right Ph soil mix to begin with and only use rain water as it doesn't change the Ph of potting soil. If it does its very slow, like several years slow! I haven't had to check the Ph of my soil in 2 years now. My plants haven't exhibited any reasons to do so.

For potting, I've resorted to a mix of 50-60% pine bark mulch, 30-40% sphagnum peat moss and 10-20% sifted perlite. The perlite isn't a must but I do feel it helps to keep the mix from compacting over time. One thing to note is the peat must be pre-wetted before its mixed up. Once its wet, it should NEVER completely dry out. It becomes hydrophobic when dry and will actually shed water instead of absorb it.

That brings me to another point! Constant watering! I believe that most the problems people run into with blueberries other than soil Ph is not understanding how much water a potted blueberry requires. Especially a mature plant with a large canopy. I think its almost impossible to over water a potted blueberry plant unless its put into a huge pot with a tiny root ball or if the pot has terrible drainage. One thing I've done is to place bricks under my pots so it drains quickly and increases air flow in the potting soil. If the temp is over 85 degrees and the pot is in full sun it needs a daily soaking. 95 degrees and over, daily soaking, maybe even 2 soaks if new growth is limp by 2:00 in the afternoon. Some varieties like Sweetcrisp will have limp/wilting new growth even if the potting soil is wet. I have found that a mid day shower to the canopy will perk up wilting Sweetcrisp growth even on the hottest days. That being said, Sweetcrisp will wilt with moist soil and perk right back up that evening like nothing happened. Its probably more stressful for the grower than the plant. Some varieties just do that.

For fertilizer I've been fortunate to have access to Microlife Fertilizer. Its made here in Houston and only distributed locally from what I know. Its got all the stuff my plants need including the endo/ecto mycorrhizae fungi. Its all I've ever used on all my potted fruit trees and in ground trees with the exception of citrus. I use a fert specifically for citrus but they do get doses of Microlife as well. I've never used ammonium sulfate but Fignutty and Wills swear by it and the proof is in the puddin! Microlife is all organic which is nice but not why I use it and its a slow release so I apply it every 2 months to my potted plants during the growing season. I use it because it works and I have no reason to try any thing else at this point.

I agree with Fignutty as well that Springhigh and Sweetcrisp are the two best tasting varieties going right now. At least from all the varieties that I've trialed. I will put a plug in for Sunshine Blue as well. Its a great tasting berry but best of all, its the latest ripening Southern High Bush I've trialed so it really extends the season with great fruit! I will have Sunshine as long as I'm growing blues. There are a bunch of other varieties that I haven't tried but if they were true standouts I probably would have heard about them by now. One other thing I've come to realize is you cant rely on nursery descriptions of blues. According to them they are all great and productive when that's not really the case. I learned more from Fignutty, Wills and garden forum than any nursery description.

Subject: Give me the finger Replies: 27
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,438
 
LOL, Ole Dr. Bigfingers!

Subject: Which was your best fig this year? Replies: 44
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,768
 
I only got to sample a few varieties this season but Malta Black was the favorite at my house and very close if not tied to my taste was Improved Celeste. LSU Scott's Black was very good as well but it ripened so much later than the rest it was hard to compair. I can say it was quite tasty though. Next year will be much better as many other varieties will come across the table.

Subject: Transplant in October? Replies: 13
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 463
 
Nice info James, thanks!

Subject: Transplant in October? Replies: 13
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 463
 
Thanks Pino, I will plant at least 4 of them soon!

Subject: LSU Scott's Black Replies: 7
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 504
 
Agreed Art, I will add that it holds very well in rain. I had 3 figs ripen during a stretch of daily rain for 3 weeks. Never missed a beat. I feel its a must have for humid areas.

Subject: Transplant in October? Replies: 13
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 463
 
Not to high jack but its the same question, different zone. Im going to be in the same position but Im in zone 9A/B. Any objections to planting in Oct/Nov?

Subject: Take that, you B*****D Replies: 21
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 858
 

Nice story telling! I fight the mocking birds for blueberries and the rats for the figs! Its a constant battle one way or another and Im usually on the winning side ;) The mocking bird is our state bird so killing them against the law..... ;)


Subject: FMV Free Black Ischia (??) fig Discovered in Louisiana. Replies: 38
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 5,178
 
I noticed the same thing not being able to read his blog. Dont know how your suppost to get permission to do so when there is no way to contact him.  He does have some very strong views but he also has alot of good info for us deep south growers. Honestly, I kind of enjoy reading the rants! It keeps me guessing as to what will be posted next and keeps me going back plus I get a little fig info mixed in with it. Quite enjoyable! ;)

Subject: OT - Jaboticaba (Jabuticaba for Grasa!) Replies: 7
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 408
 
Thanks for posting this Harvey. I was just doing a little home work on this fruit as well as sugar apple, white sapote, and cherry of the Rio Grande. Seems the Jaboticaba and white sapote are the most cold hardy of the bunch I listed. Ive never tasted any of them unfortunatly but hope to one day. The first thing that came to my mind when seeing the fruit of jaboticaba was a muscadine grape. Thick skins with a tasty treat inside. I find the tropical fruits facinating and one day hope to have a large green house to try and grow every tropical fruit I can squeeze in there. There is a great video on youtube called Fruit Hunters. If anyone is interested in tropical fruit its well worth the time to kick back and watch it. There are 2 parts to it. Here are the links. Enjoy!




Subject: Delicious RdB late August 2014 Replies: 20
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 870
 
Very nice looking fruit! I just got through potting up 2 air layers from my mother RDB just now. Thanks Wills, your the best I know! Now I got 3 of these bad boys;) I will finally get a chance to taste RDB next season. Life is good!

Subject: LSU Purple Replies: 22
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 911
 
Had several off of 2 second year trees this season. One in ground at my Dads and mine in a pot. I can tell you the in ground tree is at least 8ft wide and 8ft tall now after 2 growing seasons. I would not say its a slow grower by any ones standards. Its growing at nuclear proportions. The fruit is twice as big and more flavorful than my potted plant as well. My potted plant is only 4ft tall and 4ft wide and the fruit was okay. Honestly I wasnt really impressed with it but Ive read they take a few years to really start putting out the good stuff. Both plants came from cuttings I rooted Oct 2012 from the LSU Purple I planted at my house before I moved. To my taste buds they are just sweet and figgy. Not much in the department of flavor notes but they are definatly edible. Im still on the fence with this one as well.

Subject: First fig from JH Adriatic Replies: 9
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 613
 
Next year for me as well. Looking forward to JH! Keep them coming Steve

Subject: Smith-An incredibly wonderful fig Replies: 26
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,191
 
Great looking fig! I'm excited about smith as well. I have one fig I left on the tree this season that has yet to ripen but it was a late season fig so hopefully it has time.

Hey Steve, I have a air layered Smith for you if you want it? It's ready to ship now! Just day the word!

Subject: Red Libya Replies: 12
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,171
 
Is it me or is that fig smiling and blowing kisses at us?!? Looks yummy!

Subject: Black Madeira and Figo Preto comparison Replies: 32
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 2,494
 
Very nice Steve! I'm on the ropes about getting any more varieties but the Preto and Genovese Nero got me questioning my self again! I'm looking forward to BM as well. I actually had one large fig on my BM this year and I pulled it off and chunked it! I like to practice self torture and force my self to wait for the good stuff;)

Subject: what type of fig grower are you? Replies: 18
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 888
 
Growing all kinds of fruits and starting to venture into Tropical Fruits. Been growing figs for 2 years now but only 1 year growing them seriously. I'm a potted suburban fruit enthusiast but should have been a rural fruit farmer;)

Subject: Looking to trade Replies: 0
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 257
 

for a CDDB if possible. A forum buddy is hooking me up with the CDDG so I'm one plant away from collecting the sisters. I have a well rooted CDDN in a one gallon pot ready to go as well as Smith, RDB, and Unk Peach (I believe its a Celeste strain but not %100 on that). I could also air layer any of my listed varieties except VDB. I've also got 2 Snowchaser Blue berry plants and a Brightwell Rabbiteye all in 1 gallon pots if anyone is interested those.


Subject: First taste of Unk Attilio Purple... Replies: 18
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,252
 
Nice to see what I missed out on Rui! I lost all of the Attilio Green and Purple you sent me. They rooted strong and were well on there way until the dog found my fig stash!  Glad to hear its a winner for you. You deserve it! Hows that baby doing?

Subject: Malta Black Replies: 7
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 582
 
This was the best tasting fig I had this year. Mine were small as well but packed with flavor! Many more to taste next season but Malta Black is definately on the keepers list along with Improved Celeste. That one was delicious as well!

Subject: Rafed deleted his account Replies: 52
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 2,787
 
I didn't read how this all got started again but what a shame! Never really got a chance to hit it off with Rafed but I knew of his stature here on the forum. Every time he responded to one of my posts it made me smile! He's done a lot for many people on here so just be thankful for the time he spent at F4F. All good things come to an end eventually. Peace out Rafed!

Subject: Unknown Calderwood Replies: 17
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,599
 
Agreed! I do know there are several plant swaps and sorts in and around Houston. A fig swap would be cool too. Maybe your the guy to organize such a function?!?

Subject: Unknown Calderwood Replies: 17
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,599
 
Nice, I'm just down the street in South Htown. I've seen some very big fig trees in the Woodlands. My brother in law lives there so we visit often. Nice area to live!

Subject: Unknown Calderwood Replies: 17
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,599
 
Are you located in Houston?

Subject: 2 Failed Air Layers on VDB Replies: 7
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 417
 
Thanks for the response. The girdle I cut is about 3/4 of an inch. I've had much success so far with every variety of fig that I've air layered. Smith, BM, RDB no problems at all! It's the same mix I've used for all the others. I get the MG orchid mix which is very lite and mix it with alittle potting soil for moisture and a handful of perlite. I think it may just be this particular plant. I believe the soil has compacted some in the pot and the roots my be starved of air at the bottom. I just don't think the plant can handle the stress of the sun, air layer and compacted soil. That being said I don't think it I will girdle any more on air layers. I always see roots forming above and below the girdle anyway so I'm not sure it's 100% needed any way.

Subject: 2 Failed Air Layers on VDB Replies: 7
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 417
 
For some reason my VDB does not agree with air layers. I've lost both the air layers I attempted on one of my VDB's in the same fashion. The first sign is see is limp leaves then in short order they curl up and die. Both times I removed a ring of bark about an inch wide and both times they failed with in 3 weeks. From now on I will not remove any bark and just wrap it. Anyone else experience this with VDB or is it just me?

Subject: OT - I gave up on figs Replies: 34
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,579
 
Interesting post Harvey, thanks! I've been wanting a couple dragon fruit plants for my fruit collection but haven't decided on any yet. I've narrowed them down to 5 varieties and Halleys Comet is on the list. Wayne, is this an exceptional flavored variety? I've read that the pink colored fruits are generally the most flavorful. Do you find this to be true?

Subject: Florea and Atreano Gold main crop Replies: 18
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 866
 
Nice Steve, I'm a little dishearted about Atreano in my zone. I've got several first season plants but word on the street is its a total failure in my zone and climate! Im thinking about maybe just using a couple of them to practice grafting. At least they wont be a total loss.

Subject: I just can't figure it out? Replies: 20
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 593
 
I know I know!!!!! Chicken Poop?

Subject: Improved Celeste from JF&E Replies: 1
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 223
 
Had 3 figs ripen yesterday. 2 of them were half dry for some reason. I'm wondering if thrips will attack figs? Maybe its just a coincident but as typical in Aug, the thrips are attacking new blueberry growth. I battle them every year in Aug. Now until Oct are the most critical months for new growth on BB as this is the push responsible for fruit buds. I did manage to get one big fig from the Imp Celeste and as usual it was split 4 ways between my boys and me. I must say, it was a very good fig! Had a little fruity taste to it, rich and sweet! Every ones eyes lite up when they tasted it. Its a keeper!!! Sorry no photos!

Subject: F*****G birds! Replies: 17
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 719
 
LOL, I feel your pain Danny!!! Ive been fighting rats for my LSU Purple for 3 weeks now! I managed to get about 1/3 of the figs. Organza bags work for birds but the rats just chew the figs through the bags. It's a pain in the A$$!!!!

Subject: Is this plant abuse? Replies: 35
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,024
 
Special delivery coming for you Uncle Wills;)

Subject: Is this plant abuse? Replies: 35
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,024
 
Let me see what I can drum up for you!

Subject: Is this plant abuse? Replies: 35
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,024
 
How could I say no Wills? I will gladly take you up on that offer! I wish I had something to give in return. I was planning on hooking you up with that white genoa loquat but my air layer didn't take. It was supposed to be a surprise but never rooted! I will have to try again. Maybe I can get a new Mango Tree sent to your house? How about a nice Pickering for your green house?

Subject: Is this plant abuse? Replies: 35
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,024
 
Uncle Wills is a kind and generous man! I don't care what Hman and Aaron say about you;)

Subject: Any one have a Hanc Mathes Atreano they want to sell cuttings or an airlayer from? Replies: 44
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,439
 
I read the same thing about Atreano on his blog.  I've got 2 of them about 2ft tall in pots. Wonder if its worth the effort as my climate is about as close to Dans as its going to get.

Subject: LSU Purple Replies: 19
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 750
 
I've got a 2nd year LSU Purp spitting out figs as we speak. They are decent if left to ripen until soft and wrinkly. I've picked several a couple days too soon and they were just bland tasting and not very sweet. A couple more days does a lot for the flavor. So far I haven't been real impressed with this one but I will give it a couple more seasons to prove its self. I planning on putting most of mine in the ground this next spring but some will definitely get cut out.  Still on the fence with LSU Purp.

Subject: Is this plant abuse? Replies: 35
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,024
 
What variety is that Wills? The RDB you sent me looked almost like that untill last week when I removed them. Got 3 layers off a 3ft plant. I was wondering if it would be detrimental to the plant but it actually made the plant respond with a nice flush of growth and many more branches.

Subject: The last 20 figs went to the creatures with tails Replies: 37
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 793
 
I thought I had a bird problem last week when my LSU purple started spitting out figs. Got the organza bags and found them all over the ground the next morning with half chewed up figs. After using my spider sense I found rat droppings along the top rail of the fence right next to my fig plant. Deployed rat poison, 4 rat traps and 2 large sticky traps. Haven't caught anything yet but 2 of my traps have been sprung and one is completely gone. It's probably still hanging on to what ever it was. The sticky trap was on the ground by my plant with a long drag mark across it this morning and I can detect the smell of a dead rat some where in the corner of the yard. For all my efforts I was able to share 6 ripe figs with two youngest sons last night and many more are ripening as we speak. These dang rats also ate one of my 3 Lychee fruits I had on my plants a month ago. Metal window screen from HD stapled around them did the trick. You could see chew marks where they tried to get through it but couldn't.

Subject: Message to Jon and my friends (update post #$49) Replies: 160
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 6,850
 
Your a poet and didnt know it!

6 Yes

Subject: Italian Black?? Replies: 27
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,448
 

Lol, no problem. I'm having the same issues as well with space. I will need to get rid of some in the coming year.

You might die of dehydration after awhile as too much of a good thing isn't good for the guts. They run right through you! My 3 year old can attest to that!


Subject: Italian Black?? Replies: 27
Posted By: blueboy1977 Views: 1,448
 
The strain of LSU Purple I have has had tight eyes on every one so far. No splitting from rain or souring what so ever. My biggest problem I have with this plant is its the only one with figs on it right now and the rats are tearing them up! I thought it was birds so put organza bags on them. The next morning I had 5 bags on the round all chewed up. Getting some rat poison and rat traps today. Its on like Donkey Kong!!!

If you would like, I can start an air layer for you on my plant. Just say the word!