Register  |   | 
 
Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Search > All posts by SandSquid
 
 


The search returned 53 posts

Only find topics started by SandSquid
   
Topics  |  Posts
Subject: What do you do with all of those figs? Replies: 5
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 880
 
Two words: "Fig Wine"

Subject: cooler as a outdoor winter propagating chamber? Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 799
 
So far, so good! Overnight low 31°F
Internal soil temperature inside closed heated cooler 80°F
On nights that do not get below freezing, I keep the lid either open or partially closed.

Attached Images
jpeg cooler_01.JPG (21699, 12 views)
jpeg cooler_02.JPG (110750, 25 views)
jpeg cooler_03.JPG (388195, 27 views)
jpeg cooler_04.JPG (423793, 27 views)

Subject: Black Madeira CONTEST Replies: 69
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 6,894
 
Jack,
That sounds pretty much exactly like Memphis, TN.  Of course you are only a few hours drive away..... I'll be following your reports with great interest, I'd love to have a Black Madeira some day, if it does well in, as they say, "the dirty south".

Subject: Cold Out This Morning (37 Brrr ) Replies: 14
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 920
 
Aye! Raw eggs mixed in a blender with equal parts skim milk and water, plus a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap, also works.  Let it sit for a few days and get really funky.

Unfortunately, it smells so bad I an dry-heaving and gagging while applying it.

Subject: Cold Out This Morning (37 Brrr ) Replies: 14
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 920
 
Vern,

This may sound odd, but it works pretty well...
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
1 teaspoon garlic powder or liquid garlic juice
1 gallon of water.

Spray weekly and/or after it rains

Subject: Cold Out This Morning (37 Brrr ) Replies: 14
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 920
 
Last weekend I was invited over to a friends house to help with an "woodchuck problem".It had to be done quietly because though his yard was surrounded by trees for privacy, he had lots of neighbors that take objection to the discharging firearms within city limits. Only took about 2 hours of sitting on his back porch w/ my compound bow to harvest 3 of them. They look so nice when they are run through and stuck to the ground w/ an arrow. Almost harmless... almost.

Subject: Distance from wall, and between plants, for Espalier Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,524
 
The back wall, and yard, of our house is perfectly positioned facing due South and gets the benefit of full sun. But my wife does not want to loose what little yard space we have left to more fig trees, so I'm thinking it's espalier time...

How close to the foundation can I plant?
(We have a slab on grade)

Can I place screw eyes into the brick and run wire between them, or should I install free-standing trellis a few inches out?
(How much weight actually bears on the trellis?)

What is the  optimal spacing between plants to maximize fruit production in the minimum space?

Anything else I should be concerned with?

Subject: Plants in air-pots, fall coming, what to do? Replies: 2
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 695
 

Advice appreciated:

Like the title say's, I've got a few plant that have spent the summer in air-pots and are pretty nicely developed.

I'd like them to go dormant and then plant them either in the late fall or early spring.

Leaning towards planting after they go dormant this fall, because I have no idea if they will survive all winter in an unheated garage or attic without over-drying, etc.

Subject: Looking for cuttings Replies: 2
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 638
 
Soon as my plants go dormant, probably sometime around Nov. or Dec.
All I ask for is actual shipping costs. PM me with you mailing address.


Oh, and, it's spelled "parentheses".

Subject: English Brn.Turkey verses Bayernfeige Violetta_Pixes Replies: 17
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,853
 
Quote:
People are talking about anything else following this post


Of course they are... because everybody is blown away by your announcement and glowing review of "THE English Brown Turkey, to beat all English Brown Turkey's".

I know I have had far too many different variants of the omnipresent EBT's and they were for the most part, quite , oh how can I put it, lacking in vitality, imagination, and distinction, or commonplace, or just plain dull.

I have never found one "special" enough to warrant planting, since I know at least 5 people at my church who all have EBT's of varying quality they bring the fruit of in every Sunday to give away.

I have recently gotten cuttings from a friend who has 6 unknown trees in the yard of a house they purchased. All the trees were planted at least as early as the 1950's. One of which you have identified as EBT. ( http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg061009421956.html )

This is the EBT I planed to install in my yard, because it is of "better than most" quality, a consistant heavy producer, as only splits under the most extreme rainy conditions, and mostly because of the history behind it.

But NOW you come out and say I have found THE English Brown Turkey, and my world comes to a screeching halt. I must admit I am in awe, and quite jealous, and in deep desire of this plant.

Subject: What triggers the halt of ripening? Replies: 6
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 699
 
I'm aware that the shift to shorter daylight periods triggers, and cooler temps re-enforces the shift to dormancy. Does this also stop ripening?

I'm hoping that perhaps I could extend my ripening period by erecting some temporary individual greenhouses around my first and second year plants to keep the daytime temperatures up around80 to 90° as the actual daytime highs begin to dip down into the 70's and 80's.

I'm not so concerned about quality as I am being able to identify several plants that have been "confused" in the planting process when we lost the tags.

Subject: Any Fig places to visit (VA Beach VA, area) Replies: 1
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,137
 

Well, sad to report I didn’t find much of anything to report.

I did find a farm-stand in Pungo, VA (just North of Knott's Island, NC) that was selling "fresh figs".

In talking with the owner I was told a "local woman" has 20 different trees and brings the figs in for sale daily.

The figs were sweet and delicious. Though I did get her contact info, I did not have the time to track her down.

Subject: Any Fig places to visit (VA Beach VA, area) Replies: 1
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,137
 
I'm in Dam Neck Va for some training and have this Fri. Sat. and Sun. free. Was wondering if there are any fig-farms or collections at public gardens I shoudl check out while I'm here, especially if I can get some good cuttings to take back home, while I'm in the area.

Not opposed to driving an hour or two.

Was going to go to monticello till I found out that the figs are NOT originals.

Subject: gash in the trunk Replies: 28
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,297
 
I will know more in a few months as my personal observations from current experiments  show results (positive or negative).

Subject: gash in the trunk Replies: 28
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,297
 
Cuttings root fairly easily and plants from them bear fruit after about 3 years.

12 to 24  inch cuttings taken in winter from one-year old wood get stripped of leaves and the cuttings treated with rooting hormone and inserted about 2/3 into the soil or into some other warm rooting medium. SO yes it needs some chill hours to callous and then warmth

Plants can also be air-layered, which is my current method (see pictures above.) Though, I have a bunch of 8" to 12" green wood cuttings in a propagation tray just to see of they are going to root.

Subject: gash in the trunk Replies: 28
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,297
 
I (just) went ahead and ordered a Red Angel from Willis Orchards.
I'll give you first dibs on any layerings/dormant cuttings

I'd be seriously interested in some Olive layerings

Subject: gash in the trunk Replies: 28
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,297
 
Quote:
I think its the same for pomegranates.


What do you have for Pomegranates?

I have some Plantation Sweet, and Grenada, and Wonderful.
Looking for anything I don't already have, but especially some cuttings of Red Angel

Subject: gash in the trunk Replies: 28
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,297
 
Can't help with the current crisis, but I do protect my plants from crazy mowing and weed-whacking sessions by installing a cage of 1/2" mesh around the base of them... I bury it about 8"-12" deep and leave about 1 foot exposed above ground.

Here is a clear picture illustrating:

Just pretend the pomegranate is a fig ;-)

Secondly I keeps my Beagle and Jack Russel from digging them up.

Thirdly, it retains mulch from spilling out into the lawn.

Fourthly, It also give me a good place to secure the bottom of the bird netting to.

Lastly, it give a good means of securing and supporting small nursery pots for layering off babies.

Subject: playing in the kitchen Replies: 6
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 715
 
My credo is "recipies are for people who lack imagination". Just experiment and make what you think will taste good.

Next batch I'm going to add some fresh ground nutmeg and cinnamon.

Subject: playing in the kitchen Replies: 6
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 715
 
10 Pints... so far.

Subject: playing in the kitchen Replies: 6
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 715
 
Found that the most efficient way of peeling figs is to rub them briskly with your hands, under running water, while they are still frozen The skin just falls off.
7 pounds of fresh and frozen E.B.T. (peeled)
7 cups of sugar
a good squeeze of lemon juice
bring to a boil for 20 minutes
add a packet of sure-jel, just for insurance
can per standard water-bath method
allow to cool
spread on toast for breakfast.

Subject: Cutting scrambled Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,024
 
Earlier this spring, my littlest daughter was "helping" me plant rooted cuttings. and somewhere along the way the tags got separated from the plants.

Secondly I pinched off any fruits early on, so I will not be able to use fruits to identify them this season. I'm sure next season I'd be able ot, but I would really like to positively identify these plants, so I can pay the good karma forward to others searching for cuttings, as many were so kind to me last year.


The possibilities are;

Jacks Quarter Pounder (I'm 90% sure fig "B" if Jack's)
Marseilles
Quantico
Desert King
Peter's Honey
Italian Honey
Chicago Hardy


Fig "A"




Fig "B"




Fig "C"




Fig "D"

Subject: Florea in New England Replies: 4
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,227
 
Fignut,

I believe your air-pot is upside down. The "top" 3 rows of cones are supposed to be the unperforated ones.


Nice fig, BTW

Subject: Sugar to kill RKN??? Replies: 18
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,410
 
I have LOTS of Chitin.. Winemakers know it as "Chitosan"

I even read that is is soon to be the latest craze in diet pills!

Subject: More Men Than Ladies ? Replies: 4
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 830
 
Perhaps it is due to the fruit of the fig resembling a testicle, and when cut open lengthwise to expose the middle, it vaguely resembles a vagina?

C'mon, you know you were all thinking that, but nobody had the "figs" to actually say it!

Subject: cooler as a outdoor winter propagating chamber? Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 799
 
Quote:
It should be small enough to put in the garage, or a family room, or ? through the winter.


Indeed, and around fall into winter, there are quite a few of them to be had for free on trash collection day.

Subject: cooler as a outdoor winter propagating chamber? Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 799
 
I was getting ready to throw away an old Coleman camping cooler and happened to set one of my propagating mats on top of it, and I had a BFO (Blinding Flash of the Obvious) and got to thinking that I might be able to place a propagating mat in the bottom and run the power cord out the drain hole (and keep it from flooding) and then set my rootrainers/flats inside the cooler.

With it being so well insulated, and having a attached lid, this would give me the ability to set the cooler outside over the "winter" months (or what passes for winter here in the mid-south).  It would give me constant bottom heat to the root zone, and on days it's above freezing I could leave the lid opent to keep the tops cool/cold, but provide natural sunlight. On cold nights close the lid entirely or leave it propped open just enough to keep the tops from freezing.

Thoughts?

Subject: Speaking of Starbuck's... Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 659
 
Thanks that was indeed a consideration, but it's not too many to keep manageable, yet. And it is 2 miles from the house and and I go there every 3 days, so I should be able to keep up with them.

This fall they are getting 4 plants. We'll see what I have extra after the next propagating season.

Subject: Speaking of Starbuck's... Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 659
 
I was in my local store Saturday morning, picking up two 7 gallon buckets of used espresso grounds for my compost pile. They all know me pretty well in there, ya know. And they are all into the ecofriendly corporate image thing.

Well, we got to talking and one thing led to another, and it was decided that all the "left over" fig trees I propagated would be planted around the property.

The manager told me, Yeah that would be really cool! Plant whatever you think will grow, I'm sure the employees and customers would love being able to pick and eat fresh figs."

Their landscaping is pretty spartan at best, and they have about an acre field behind the store that is just open field, I'm thinking thornless blackberries and raspberries, maybe even a few blueberry bushes.


He asked me what I wanted for them
I replied "How about a Quad-Shot of espresso?"
He said "anytime you come in, it's on the house, no problem.
"Well, thanks dude, but I meant just one, now."

Not only do I get to expand my fig gardening space by 200%, but I get free coffee out of the deal.

Subject: Sugar to kill RKN??? Replies: 18
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,410
 
The trip to Chicago tonight got canceled, my co-pilot bailed out on me. Now worth driving 18 hours round trip ALONE. if I had someone to share the driving, I would do it.... there is always next weekend, though.

Subject: Sugar to kill RKN??? Replies: 18
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,410
 
I have seen a few vague references to using "sugar" to treat (kill) RKN, but have been unable to gleam any specifics on what/how to do it.

Subject: The Baddour Myster Figs. Replies: 2
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 938
 
That is not beyond the realm of possibility, which is why I gave the background info.

Or they could have come form local nurseries or mail order, or traded with other farmers/residents in the ares.

 For example, the "Mystery Fig #1"  has earlier been identified as an English Brown Turkey by Herman, who's judgment I certainly trust.

So, by that I think they could have come from anywhere between settling the homestead in 1902 and the 1950's  (There are pictures showing figs in situ,  as far back as the 50's)

I think it's pretty cool and quite the mystery given the provenance.


Subject: The Baddour Myster Figs. Replies: 2
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 938
 

In an ongoing effort to identify, now 5, unknown fig trees I submit the following:

The Baddour family emigrated from Lebanon in the late 1800's and settled in Covington, TN They quickly became one of the towns most prosperous and respected families and had a quite large homestead, which has slowly been chopped up and sold off. The main house, which was purchased by a good friend of mine, was hand built by the family in 1902. All the fruit trees are all over 25 years of age. As they were existing when they purchased the property from the original owner/builder. Perhaps there are some clues buried in there to help with identification?

This fig I am calling "Baddour #2" until they can be properly identified.

Subject: thoughs on sharing cuttings. Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 678
 

I had known of an American Chestnut tree in Riverside, RI that has been the subject of much study by botanists. not only did it survuve the blight but to this day shows no signs of infection and is still producing a handful of viable nuts per year.

Subject: thoughs on sharing cuttings. Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 678
 

I missed the cut-off date for the Black Madeira contest but though I'd share my essay with you folks because I believe there is a lot of merit to the point I made.


----begin---

We ALL need a Black Madeira.

I am of the opinion that we are stewards entrusted to ensure the successful proliferation and preservation of these species.

By spreading the species far and wide we are in fact building up a gene bank against possible wide-spread decimation should there be global collapse.

By having small caches of various varieties spread throughout the world we are creating isolated repositories, that may have a better chance of escaping whatever disease, virus or insect attacks may occur.

Or even more optimistically one of us may end up with the freak genetic mutant that is resistant to whatever cause the blight!

Upon the end of the blight, hopefully one of these caches will survive, and serve to provide a stock to repopulate the worlds fig supply.

While this may seem like a far fetched idea, history has proven otherwise. For example the Castanea dentata (American Chestnut) was once a native tree that grew from southern Maine across the Midwest to Michigan, down through Indiana and Illinois, and south to Alabama and Mississippi, and eastward into the Appalachians. The American Chestnut was cultivated in 1800 and was once considered to be the queen of the eastern American forest.

For the people of the southern Appalachians, the American Chestnut was economically important.

The nut crops and the local economy that they supported were the first to go. For about ten years after the blight, nuts were still gathered from uninfected trees high in the southern Appalachians. By 1940 there was only a minor production of nuts from the sprouts and seedlings that survived.

Stands of American Chestnut had to be replaced by seed from distant sources. An isolated incident occurred in 1992 in Pennsylvania with a small group of pure American chestnuts, where these trees demonstrated growth while still infected with blight.


Therefore, by spreading the stock, we can ensure survival of the species.


Imagine a world without figs!!!

Subject: Black Madeira almost ripe Replies: 4
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 909
 
I've been stockpiling all my assorted over ripe figs in the freezer untill I get 40 pounds so I can start a batch of wine.

I'm told my climate is good for Black Madeira, so I've been looking.. Long hot summers, long mild fall, short winter.

Subject: Black Madeira almost ripe Replies: 4
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 909
 
So does this mean you might have some Black Madeira cuttings available ?-)

Subject: Superoots air-pot Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 713
 
they actually do as they claim, incredible roots system devlopment in almost no time at all. Very highly impressed. they are pricey though.

Subject: pruning / pinching plan Replies: 0
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 727
 

I've been avidly reading the forum here and on GW and have come up with the following plan.

Respectfully Request the sage advice of those more experienced than I as to the validity of the plan.

 

I would like to develop a "short" form so that 3 years down the road I won't need a 12 foot ladder to harvest.

Pinch the main trunks terminal bud at twelve leaves up.

Side shoots (secondary) pinch the terminals after 6 leaves.

Where should I pinch any tertiary shoots off the secondary?

Subject: Quarter Pounder Replies: 2
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 782
 
I got a dormant cutting from Jack this past late-winter/early-spring.

It is by far the fastest growing plant in the collection, and is double the height of some cuttings that were rooted months earlier and planted in the yard on the same day.

Hoping to see some fruit this year, based upon this explosive growth and heavy side branching.

Subject: Starbucks? Replies: 21
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,655
 

I've been getting about (2) 5 gallon buckets of used espresso grounds per week from my local Starbuck's

It's a great soil amendment, good slow release nitrogen, and the earthworms love it and slugs hate it!

Subject: Frog on Fig Replies: 4
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 827
 

I sure wish I could keep frogs in my yard, they are so "good" for the micro-ecology. Sadly, _-IF-_ I have a snake or frog or lizard in my yard, it has a VERY short life expectancy.

In addition to the retired Narcotics Interdiction Beagle, I've got a Jack Russell who is a retired USDA / US Customs and Border Protection "Detector Dog". She spent 7 years on Guam and was trained to sniff out and "prosecute" various things, snakes and reptiles was her specialty ( she's also trained in narcotics detection.) I've watched her go up and launch off the top of a 10 foot chain-link fence just to kill a frog!

--

Subject: Black Madeira CONTEST Replies: 69
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 6,894
 
I'll post a video on u-tube of me singing "I'm a little tea pot" wearing nothing but an appropriately placed fig leaf. Come to think of it, if you give me a Black Madeira cutting I promise NOT to do so.

Subject: MAJOR transplant shock? Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 824
 
All but the absolute tip-top leaflette were severely crinkled dry and brittle, so I stripped them. I built an "A-frame" using white plastic lattice and covered it w/ a piece of black weed-block cloth.


Based upon the location and the position of the "tent" it will shield it from the sun for almost the entire day, and only get about an hour of direct sunlight as the sun is just setting.

Subject: Any (fig) winemakers? Replies: 9
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,129
 
thanks for the replies. I will try to mash some over-ripes and marinate in some brandy and see what that dois this year.

Subject: MAJOR transplant shock? Replies: 3
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 824
 
The Desert King I installed in place of the mowed down Black Jack is seriously hurting.
all but the top three leaves are wilted and even crinkly. I watered it quite well, but not over-watered.

Perhaps it's due to the 100°F heat???

I'm thinking of stripping off all the lower (wilted and crinkly) leaves to keep transpiration under control????

Subject: Another Good Rain Replies: 2
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 751
 
I'm down to the last 40 gallons of water in my rain barrels.
Haven't seen a drop since 05 JULY

Subject: STUPID, BONEHEAD. IDIOT,... ME! Replies: 5
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 880
 
I usually use a "push mower"... You know the old style that has horizontal  blades that roll when you push the mower? but every once in a while, I borrow my neighbors power mower, Like when I skip a week and the lawn gets too deep for me to use the push mower)

My daughter helped me dig it up and we replaced it with what we think is a Desert King (several plants got "mixed up" during a marathon re-potting session a few months ago.)

I followed my usual protocol of placing a wire cage around it... and then just to make sure I don't mow it over again, I mounded up a pile of sand/gravel around the cage.



It should take some doing to mow it over, now.


The butchered Black Jack went into a superoots Air-pot with a plastic dome on top for some "TLC"

Subject: STUPID, BONEHEAD. IDIOT,... ME! Replies: 5
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 880
 
I purchased a Black Jack fig last season. Thought it was dead this spring.
As I'm getting ready to dig it out, I noticed some small leaves!

So today I'm mowing my lawn.....

Obviously not paying enough attention, and this is what I did to it:


I think it's dead for sure, now.

Anybody have and black jack cuttings?-(

Subject: Best fgs for your state Replies: 7
Posted By: SandSquid Views: 1,521
 

If you go to http://www.rssweather.com/climate/ and select your state and (closest) city wyou shoudl be able to get some really good info.

For example memphis TN:







The USGS has good soil survey data also...
Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database