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Subject: Posting Pics Replies: 1
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 67
 
How do you post pics?  I wrote a post earlier and clicked on "upload" selected the photo and nothing happened.  I didn't see a FAQ about that process.

Subject: Peter's Honey cuttings Replies: 4
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 175
 
Wow.. THAT was fast.  I could use one of that type.  Next time. :)

Subject: Help With Identification? Replies: 1
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 78
 
Hope this doesn't post twice.  I posted this under a diff topic because I couldn't post pics.  SCfigFanatic, Doug, helped.

I got cuttings from a lady down the street who doesn't like figs and knows nothing about what she has in her yard.  It is well into the beginning of our milder winters here in N.Cal.  Some freezing, some below, but not by much.  Few leaves left on these trees and the few figs look very poor.. definitely inedible.  I don't know enough to know if these are holdovers from this year or are Breba's?? for next.

The 3 leaf and fig, she said, is a white fig?? Doesn't look white.  About the size of a 50 cent piece.  The tree is a shrub cut about 4'tall and about 6' in diameter... just a guess.

The 5 leaf and figs, she said, are black.. Thought they might be Mission.. but doesn't know.  Figs are about 25 cent sized.  Tree is about 8' tall and about 5' in diameter.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sr_bill/shares/3B3U5F

Subject: Posting Pictures Replies: 6
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 186
 
Thanks Doug..  I'm kinda slow on some of this.

As mentioned prior.. we are in the throes of N.Cal winter, if you will.  We've had some freezes, but not severe by any stretch.  So, the color of the remaining leaves and the color of the remaining figs may have nothing to do with what they look like in August.

Here is the BBCode

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sr_bill/shares/3B3U5F

Subject: Posting Pictures Replies: 6
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 186
 
I just tried to post some photos of a couple of figs and I was not allowed.. based on capacity.  Is there a size rule or is the server full or ???

Subject: CLEANING AND STORING FIG CUTTINGS Replies: 4
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 268
 
I wonder about painting the cuttings with indoor latex paint.. similar to what nurseries recommend to prevent sun scald on new trees with no real bark development.  Even diluted paint.  Should help prevent some transpiration, I would think.

Subject: Fig Starter Bundles Replies: 47
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 1,649
 
Howdy, I'm pretty new at this an have only 4 varieties.. all common.  So, wishing to get a start.  If you will, please let me know what you have available in packages.  While I live in CA, and you may not wish to ship there.. my Bro in Law lives in PA and he is coming out on Dec 7 or 8 and can put a package in his carry-on.

Thank you.  SR_Bill
Bill, Santa Rosa, CA

Subject: Rooting Cuttings Replies: 5
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 148
 
Thanks.. no greenhouse yet.  Maybe a small, inexpensive one from Harbor Freight next year.  Be great for an early garden start as well as possible cuttings.  Trees around here still look pretty good altho I see some leaves starting to brown.  I don't know if that's because they are not irrigated or otherwise.  I have seen one local one that is irrigated and looks very good.  That is the only one visible that is producing fruit.  I'll try some cuttings from that as I have permission to pick fruit as well as make some cuttings.

Am I wanting wood that has the grayish bark on it or the wood that is obviously newer that is still rich coffee brown?  Also, what diameter should I shoot for?  Pinkie size, middle finger or thumb?  Sorry, but that was the easiest picture for me without going 3/8", 1/2", etc?  :D

Subject: Rooting Cuttings Replies: 5
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 148
 
Thanks for the help.. and thanks for the compliment.

Subject: Rooting Cuttings Replies: 5
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 148
 
Is it too late in the season to try to root cuttings?  Or, should that be done in the spring?  Days are getting short. but still sunny.  Zone 9B

Subject: Black Madeira Replies: 19
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 504
 
Regarding wood chips, bark, etc depleting the soil.  The wood products don't deplete the soil and tie up the nitrogen unless dug into the soil.  Using the products as a top dressing or to protect the soil from the sun and help maintain moisture is a great method.  Consider how a forest works.  Trees drop branches, leaves etc and the layer begins to break down on its own.  Worms and other 'critters' bring the decomposed material beneath the soil where it is further broken down and digested by the plants.  God's design is marvelous.

Now, being a newbie here.. just how do I get a BM start?  Anyone.  I have 4 starts of other plants I have received from locals in my area.  I have tried the BM but no cuttings were available.  I'd love to get one going.

Thanks

Subject: Semi Dwarf Figs??? Replies: 9
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 156
 
Just sent you a PM.

Subject: Rooting Cuttings? Replies: 4
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 147
 
Thanks.. I have three going right now.  I've never done it before.  I did the water bottle filled with potting soil.. probably should have added s.moss but didn't have any. Also, I did not remove the bark from the branch I am trying this with.. so, I don't know how it will turn out.

Newbie, living n learning.

Subject: Rooting Cuttings? Replies: 4
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 147
 
Thank you for that.  Very helpful.

Subject: Rooting Cuttings? Replies: 4
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 147
 
Can I root cuttings at this time of year.  IOW, can I snip and put the cutting in a potting medium and likely have success if I keep it moist?

If so, What would be a recommended length?  How deep to bury the cutting?  Strip leaves?  If so, some or all?

Obviously a newbie :)

Thanks,  Bill

Subject: No Figs and Air Layering Replies: 6
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 158
 
Wow, Mario_1.. I used to live on Barnes Rd near the Vintners Inn back in the mid 80s.  Moved a bit north for near 30yrs and now back in Santa Rosa again.. about 5 miles from Vintners.  I go to eat once in a while.  I'll have to check out the fig garden.

Subject: Very Cool Video Replies: 4
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 144
 
About wasps n figs.  I hope it works.  If not, I'll delete it.

Subject: Best figs at your location Replies: 268
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 72,909
 
USDA Zone 9B / Sunset Zone 14
Any suggestions?  I poured through this 6 pages and didn't see anything specific.
Thank you, Bill

Subject: Introduction Replies: 15
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 146
 
IF I ever add color, it is simply to pull the eye to the center point of interest.  Say, a face... I will usually burn the eyes a bit that then add color to the iris'.  That's it.  In years past I used to do B&W photography.. there was really no color film.  After trying color, it left me blahhh.  So, back to developing B&W and then onto sepia.  I loved sepia.  Still do.  In pyrography, burning with fire.. that same interest is met.. except.. now I have to become an "artist" (highly debatable :D ).  But, to pull the eye to a desired focal point, I'll add a splash of color.. eg.. the eyes.  In a flower..probably the petals or stamens or ???  I'm doing a sunflower burning for my daughter.. and I've yet to decide where to add that splash of color.  I'm sure I'll leave the leaves burned and the center the same  Possibly the petals.. but, that's a lot of color.  Then there is the pollen toward the center.. that's a real possibility.

So, back to your question.. I added a touch of color.. in this case to the sweet meat of the fig.. I used colored pencils.  Whew.. do I have diarrhea of the mouth/fingers? :D

BTW, I didn't want this introduction to be about woodburning.  The signup asked what other interests I have.. so, I put it in my profile but decided to show the spoon cuz it is fig related.

Subject: First layering experience on a RdB Replies: 13
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 195
 
Ha, I knew it.. definitely "Palm to Forehead".. truly a 'duh'.. I have some in the shed.  Hardly ever use it which might by my redeeming save for that brain f@rt.  Thanks to you and the other kind person who pm'd me for the answer....

Subject: Introduction Replies: 15
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 146
 
Chuck,  thanks for the nice words.. It's a fun hobby.  I'm still learning how to shade with the hot pen.. but, it's all a learning process.. I can see areas in that spoon that could be improved.. :)


Quote:
Originally Posted by figeater
I'm glad to hear you visit Portland--I hear that there are a lot of old fig trees in that area!:)


I usually get to the area on the way to a woodcarving event in Ellensburg, WA.  We stay in Sisters, OR for a few days to a week, travel a few days by car to Bend and sample a lot of great beer and Bend's beauty.  Then, on up to the way east side of Portland at an RV park.  Portland is also a beer mecca.. :D

Here in Sonoma county, we are having a brewery explosion..  Wow!  Can you tall I like beer?  I'm also a home brewer and do a bit of volunteering at a newish brewery about a mile away.

Subject: First layering experience on a RdB Replies: 13
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 195
 
I know I'm going to feel like a fool when the answer comes.. but, Sarah.. what is the dilute MG you used?  IE, what is MG.. all that's coming to mind is monosodium glutamate. :)

Subject: Semi Dwarf Figs??? Replies: 9
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 156
 
Thanks for the comments.  It looks like I can keep these cut back to both shape and control size.

Possibly, a good follow up question for the newbie would be.. as with many other fruit trees there is fruiting wood.  Is there such a thing with figs in general?  IOW, if I'm going for both fruit production and size/shape control.. is there specific wood to cut back each year?

If size controlled, Is an 8' spacing too close?  That would lead to 4' on each side.

Paul,  Looks like it's time to start gathering this fallen figs and make some nice alcoholic drink from them :D

Thanks again for all the help.

Subject: Semi Dwarf Figs??? Replies: 9
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 156
 
I'm planting an orchard in my back yard.  Few apple varieties, four different citrus, two different persimmons, an pomegranate, couple of plums and an espaliered pear of 4 different varieties.  Next come the figs.  The only one I have is a Tiger Stripe and I'm trying to air propagate one each from two different neighbors trees.. un known varieties.

So, now comes the newbie question.. All of the other trees I will be keeping at an absolute max of 8' height. so I can harvest and care for them w/o a ladder.

What say you experts about fig trees.  Can I keep them pruned at a 8' height w/o compromising production?  I know they won't produce the bucket loads of a full grown tree.. but that's OK.  I'm hoping to have a few varieties.

Thanks for any help here.

Bill

Subject: Introduction Replies: 15
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 146
 
rcantor.. thanks for the kind remark.  People seem to love the burned spoons.  I have no trouble selling them.

figeater.. I'm in N SR.  I don't know when you left.. but, I'm about 2 blocks east of Coddingtown Mall.  I have a couple of friends I worked with at Hewlett Packard here in Sr who transferred to the HP up there.  I think one loves in Camas and the other in Battleground.  Nice area.  When I'm visiting Portland and that general area, I often cross the bridge and visit another friend in Camas.

Subject: No Figs and Air Layering Replies: 6
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 158
 
Newbie here.  I just introduced myself in a post a few minutes ago.
I do have a couple of questions to start off.

1. As mentioned in my intro, my neighbor has a tree with some branches hanging over my fence.  I've gleaned some over the past two years.  But, this year.. bummer.. no figs at all.  I don't know what variety it is.. but it seems the most common I've seen in nurseries, etc is the Brown Turkey.  Is a non bearing year common?  Is there a cause for this or.. it is what it is..?

2.  I have tried to do an air layer project.  I will go to a different neighbor tomorrow and try the same as that tree is much more accessible.  I don't have sphagnum moss and was simply using potting soil.  It's pretty porous and doesn't seem to hold water all that well.  Should I get the moss or should I be OK with the potting soil?  Also, how long does it typically take to send out a ball of roots?  Note, I did not girdle and I used a 1 liter bottle rather than the small personal size.

Thank you, Bill

Subject: Introduction Replies: 15
Posted By: SR_Bill Views: 146
 
Hi, I don't see a specific place in the forum for intros.  Feel free to move this note as necessary.
Name is Bill and I live in Sonoma County, specifically, Santa Rosa.. the place Luther Burbank loved so much.  I'm not really new to gardening.. but, I'm pretty new to fruit trees and a real "newbie" to figs.  Love to eat them.. but have never grown one. My neighbor has a few branches hanging over the fence and I can glean some every so often.  I have two questions I'll ask in a separate note(s).. but for now.  Thanks for this forum and I'm looking forward to doin' some learnin' ..

Edit:  I thought I'd add a photo of one of my hobbies.. Wood Burning, also known as pyrography.  I do many of these burnings, especially on wooden spoons and sell at craft fairs.

Fig Spoon 1c.jpg