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Subject: Remember figs4fun?Time to turn this bus around! Replies: 55
Posted By: DaveL Views: 466
 
I like it.#25

Subject: Problems Posting Images? Storage Limit Exceeded? More Than 1MB? Replies: 45
Posted By: DaveL Views: 687
 
TJ. Thanks for teaching this old dog a new trick.

Subject: In ground containers Replies: 21
Posted By: DaveL Views: 457
 
Hey Lukie, thanks to Toronto Joe, I think I might have figured out this photo posting thing. As you can see from the photo I buried the bottom two thirds or so of the pot. Because in my yard there isn't much soil, I had to build up the beds. This made it much easier to dig in and bury the pots. I used pots with holes on the sides, as stated in previous posts. I also covered the beds with water permeable block. This kept the weeds down, soil temperature even and the soil soft for any roots escaping through the holes. The soft soil also made it easier to dig out when the fig went dormant. I used grass clipping between rows to keep the weeds down. I also set up drip irregration for when I went on vacation. However, being retired I mostly watered by hand. I am also zone 6A and use this system for two years without any issues. IMO, burying the pots prevents tipping and keeps the root system at an even temperature. As the tree aged, I increased the pot size. Eventually the larger trees went into a Bills fig type SIP. I didn't dig up the trees until they went dormant and the leaves fell off. Hope this helps. [IMG_0739]

Subject: In ground containers Replies: 21
Posted By: DaveL Views: 457
 
Lukie, I have some photos of inground pots I wanted to post. We are in the same zone and it worked really well for me last year. This photo posting issue really sucks big time. Hopefully it gets straighten out by spring.

Subject: Problems Posting Images? Storage Limit Exceeded? More Than 1MB? Replies: 45
Posted By: DaveL Views: 687
 
Man this photo posting issue is extremely frustrating. Toronto Joe, I tried following your directions and it didn't take long for me to get lost. Come on Jon, let's get this right!

Subject: My 2016 season figs Replies: 56
Posted By: DaveL Views: 1,971
 
Mele Kalikimaka Sid. My daughter is currently visiting the Big Island. I just set her up with her first fig tree. She lives on Oahu.

Subject: Bethlehem Black Cuttings? Replies: 7
Posted By: DaveL Views: 336
 
PM sent

Subject: Cuttings need help Replies: 26
Posted By: DaveL Views: 509
 
Tiny, I have to agree with Joe. The cuttings appear to be starving, but not for just nutrients, but for oxygen as well. The mix does appear to be to fine and does resembles sand. When using perlite and vermiculite you want to use a course size. This allows tiny pockets of air for root to grow in. What you have appears to be to fine. Also make sure your cups have holes on the sides as well as the bottom. This will let air in. Good luck.

Subject: Bidding on Ebay. Replies: 12
Posted By: DaveL Views: 548
 
Could someone translate Vladis comment. Thanks

Subject: Cuttings Sale. All prices reduced. Replies: 58
Posted By: DaveL Views: 3,111
 
Thanks Bill, cuttings arrived in great shape. Nice size good job packing. Thanks again.

Subject: any interest in a cutting trade? Replies: 11
Posted By: DaveL Views: 341
 
I also have Atreano if Drew does not. What else might you want for trade?

Subject: Thanksgiving Replies: 28
Posted By: DaveL Views: 279
 
Well said everyone, Happy Thanksgiving.

Subject: Starting cuttings for the first time Replies: 7
Posted By: DaveL Views: 248
 
Hi jveri, looks like the unk is off to a good start. You really want to develope a good root system before moving out of the humidity bins. You will see the roots thru the bag/cups. Since you already have leaves, you have to have light. Some sort of light over the bins will do the trick. I would cover the bags with newspaper and the cups with either foil or a darker cup. The trick is to have the top of your trees exposed to light and the bottom dark. Roots develope better in darkness. Don't over water it looks a little wet on the bottom,of you bins. Good luck.

Subject: Newbie cutting special Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 416
 
All packets are spoken for. Good luck to everyone. I will get all packets out in the mail tomorrow. Dave

Subject: Newbie cutting special Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 416
 
17short PM me, there is one left.

Subject: Newbie cutting special Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 416
 
Only one left.

Subject: Newbie cutting special Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 416
 
Two packets left.

Subject: Newbie cutting special Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 416
 
Hi newbies, I just trimmed my trees for winter storage and have a great deal on extra cuttings. This is open to anyone who joined this forum during 2016. Honor system please. I have four packets containing the following cuttings in each packet:
3-Brown Turkey; 3-Peters Honey;3-Chicago Hardy; 2-LSU Purple; 2-Violette de Bordeaux; 2 Ronde de Bordeaux; and 2-Brunswick
That is a total of 17 cuttings. They range from 4-7 inches in length and average about a pencil thickness. Some thinner, some thicker. The total cost for the 17 cuttings is $10.00, which includes priority shipping. The first four to PM me get them. I accept paypal only. Please post that you sent a PM so when four appears it is over. Sorry no international shipping and no shipping to Alaska or Hawaii. Again first four 2016 newbies.

Subject: How to Ripen Figs Replies: 6
Posted By: DaveL Views: 212
 
Some good information here folks. As a retired produce manager of some fifty years, I would often recommend the paper bag method to ripen climacteric fruits. The trick is to surround the fruit with ethylene gas without exposing it to moisture. That why it is important to use a paper bag versus plastic. Besides bananas another fruit with a high ethylene gas level is apples. This time of the year they are plentiful. One more thing, do not refrigerate while trying to ripen as the cold slows the ripening process. Make sure you check th bag frequently. I did not know, however, that figs fell into the climacteric fruit group. I will certainly give this a shot. Thanks IGP.

Subject: Exhausted Replies: 12
Posted By: DaveL Views: 286
 
JH Adriatic was one of the varieties that gave me fits to root. Failed on several cuttings. I eventually ended up buying the tree off eBay. I feel your pain.

Subject: Fox urine granules Replies: 5
Posted By: DaveL Views: 135
 
Thanks everyone for you suggestions. I ordered the granules to try that detergent first. While I saw a skunk in the orchard, what ever it is is climbing the trees to get at higher figs. Not sure if skunks climb, I am now leaning to raccoon. Yes Eli, I have been using organza bags. Whatever it is chews thru or just opens it up.

Subject: Fox urine granules Replies: 5
Posted By: DaveL Views: 135
 
Has anyone had any luck using fox urine granules as a deterrent to small critters. I have a fig loving skunk having his way with my ripening figs. I don't think trapping is an option. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

Subject: drip irrigation system Replies: 23
Posted By: DaveL Views: 317
 
I am posting some photos I used earlier this year on the other forum showing some of my components. The next to last photo is current showing a summer's worth of growth. I know, next year I have to do a better job on spacing!

The pots show two emitters, however, I found that to be to much and turned one off.

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Subject: drip irrigation system Replies: 23
Posted By: DaveL Views: 317
 
Cliff I am not sure about Steve or Sas, but I only water thru the tube. Every other day.

Subject: drip irrigation system Replies: 23
Posted By: DaveL Views: 317
 
Great job on this video, Ross. Some really good information. For the past two seasons, I have been using a drip irrigation system very similar to what Ross explained. I would like to add a few additional tips. My figs are potted in different size pots, ranging from one gallon to fifteen gallon. In order to keep them on the same line, I use adjustable emitters. That way larger pots can be adjusted for a greater water flow and smaller pots for less. I also recommend picking up a battery timer. You will be able to control when to water, how long to water and if you want to water everyday or every other day, ect.. I recent returned from a two week vacation and my trees were well taken of without any issues. Another tip is to water early in the day, as the sun can really heat up the water in the tubing. I mean really hot. Not good for the roots! I also have several of Bill's figs type of SIPs.I run a quarter inch tube down each water pipe and no emitters are needed. With a drip system I can water all the SIPs within four or five minutes. All you have to do is time how long it takes to fill all the reserviors.This can also be added to a separate timer or a two hose timer. Hope the tips help. One more comment. I also have been using the miracle go feeder system. Last year the unit leaked, and miracle gro replaced it. This year it totally failed after getting me thru most of the spring and summer. I really like the feeder system idea though and I am sure I will pick one up for next year. Just keep an eye on it.

Subject: Unknown Dark Greek Replies: 28
Posted By: DaveL Views: 811
 
Thank you for your generosity. Greatly appreciated .

Subject: Unknown Dark Greek Replies: 28
Posted By: DaveL Views: 811
 
My history with figs started with my job of almost fifty years. I was a produce manager in a big box type store and every season would tout the figs I sold. You know the ones packaged in the clam shell packages. I know, I know! One spring after telling my wife of these tasty tidbits, I purchased my first fig tree, a brown turkey. I should add that to this day it is "old reliable". That first summer we potted the tree and watched it grow ion our deck. The second year we were rewarded with several ripe figs. Even though they were brown turkeys, I knew what I was selling was not figs. I purchased a second tree, a Peters Honey and I was off and running. Upon retiring three years ago, I was looking for a hobby to fill the time. I started with the forums and was hooked. A perfect match, a twelve month hobby. It truly is, with each season having it challenges, from growing to rooting cuttings, air layers, winter protection and on and on. Now some forty odd varieties later, I see no end in sight. Earlier this week I returned from a two week stay with my daughter and believe me there was not a day that I wasn't on the forum several times. My wife now questions my sanity, but we all know better.

Subject: New and happy to be here Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 135
 
Hi Christian and welcome to the forum. Yes you are in the right place.

Subject: First layering experience on a RdB Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 194
 
Way to go Sarah and lucky friend!

Subject: Connecticut Whole Foods fig trees Replies: 12
Posted By: DaveL Views: 280
 
Mike not real sure if the Spanish Black is the same as a Black Mission. As I'm about 45 min from the store the chances of my returning soon are slim. I recall reading where the Spanish Black is very close to a Black Jack, but not real sure of that either. The store I visited was in West Hartford.

Subject: Connecticut Whole Foods fig trees Replies: 12
Posted By: DaveL Views: 280
 
Stopped by a local Whole Foods and saw fig trees on sale for $15.99. They were 2 gallon, 2-3 foot trees some with figs on them. Varieties offered are Black Spanish, Brown Turkey, LSU Purple, and Italian Honey.

Subject: Shout Out to Harvey/James & Friends Replies: 69
Posted By: DaveL Views: 1,087
 
Mike when my wife starts in on my collection, I remind her of the amount of shoes she has.

Subject: Rooting some unknown portuguese varieties - simpler is better Replies: 25
Posted By: DaveL Views: 565
 
Have you guys tried using a hydro cloner to root these difficult figs. I used it last winter with mixed results, however, several others swear by the process. I'm still working out the "bugs".

Subject: Portuguese Fig Varieties Replies: 49
Posted By: DaveL Views: 18,507
 
Thanks Jascadura, I have been reading most of Francisco' s current threads. The man knows his figs. I will do a search for older threads. BTW thank you for the explanation of the different groups, however not being able to read Portuguese leaves me scratching my head over the charts.

Subject: Portuguese Fig Varieties Replies: 49
Posted By: DaveL Views: 18,507
 
I am bumping this thread since it contains a great amount of information on Portuguese figs. It has been awhile since it has been updated and several newer varieties have surfaced since first posted. Being of Portuguese decent, I have a great interest of figs from Portugal. I currently have three varieties and several more on order. While I love and own many types of figs, my goal is to expand this variety.

Subject: Figs looking for a new home Replies: 19
Posted By: DaveL Views: 765
 
I know Rui and have seen his collection. These are top notch trees all healthy and most producing. Anyone looking to expand their collection should not miss this chance.

Subject: When to stop fertilizing? Replies: 6
Posted By: DaveL Views: 164
 
Thanks Chris. Good to hear.

Subject: When to stop fertilizing? Replies: 6
Posted By: DaveL Views: 164
 
Thanks Gary, what fertilizer do you use after September?

Subject: When to stop fertilizing? Replies: 6
Posted By: DaveL Views: 164
 
I have read that towards the end of summer we should stop or cut back on fertilizing our trees. Why is that? Some recommend stopping as soon as early Augest. Also does the zone you grow in determine when you should stop. Those of us in lower zones are anywhere from four to six weeks behind warmer growing areas. Should we cease later in the summer?

Subject: What is the best fertilizer 4 potted figs? Replies: 5
Posted By: DaveL Views: 311
 
For those of us belonging to the ourfig forum, there is a pretty informative post on this subject going on right now.

Subject: first post, hello all Replies: 21
Posted By: DaveL Views: 288
 
Hey Roy, welcome to the forum. Great bunch of people here to learn from.

Subject: Leaves dropped problem Replies: 8
Posted By: DaveL Views: 196
 
During excessive heat, make sure that the pot is not over heating the root system. I had a BT that did the same thing each summer until I up potted to a larger pot and shaded the pot. I now wrap my larger pots on the sun side with those silver windshield protectors from the dollar store. Good luck.

Subject: Just a little bragging:) Replies: 13
Posted By: DaveL Views: 497
 
Gosh darn, you guys in Texas are so far ahead of us in New England. I'm about as green as your garden with envy just looking at your pictures. Looks great.

Subject: Cooling Black Pots Replies: 26
Posted By: DaveL Views: 578
 
I use the auto windshield shades. One dollar at the dollar store. I must admit Matt's is more attractive.

Subject: Bills SIPS Replies: 63
Posted By: DaveL Views: 978
 
Devlsgro, a lot depends upon the size of the tree, size of the pot, variety, type of soil used, and air temperature. In my experience during the dead of summer I have had to water anywhere between one to two gallons per day. In the spring and fall much less. When dormant you want to give your trees only enough water to survive, therefore, when I am wintering over my SIPs, I try to get as much water out of the chamber as possible and top water the same as my other potted figs.

Subject: Bills SIPS Replies: 63
Posted By: DaveL Views: 978
 
Does anyone know why Bill no longer covers his SIPs with a plastic cover. Initially, when I copied his method, the plastic cover was put on so the roots would be drawn to the wicking area and not rely on top water. It made sense, so why the change?

Subject: $7 fig trees for spring/summer delivery, around 150+ varieties Replies: 775
Posted By: DaveL Views: 28,740
 
Hi James, just finished watching your videos, great job!. You are a very busy man! I see your zone 6a, and just wondering what type of winter protection do you give your outside fig orchard?

Subject: Figs still in storage??? Replies: 30
Posted By: DaveL Views: 380
 
Mine have been out a couple of weeks now down in south east Ct. Most are beginning to leaf out nicely, but a few are still sleeping. I feel as though we really have a late start this year.

Subject: Figs still in storage??? Replies: 30
Posted By: DaveL Views: 380
 
Dave, I have had mine out for a week now. I am no where near as leafed out as yours though. Nice set up. Do you have heat during the winter?

Subject: Vegetation progress in zone 6 and 7 Replies: 12
Posted By: DaveL Views: 304
 
I'm also in zone 6 on the southeast Connecticut coast. All my trees are just starting to push buds and a few small leaves, about the same as figgi11 in NNJ. If we could only get some warmth and sun.