johnnyq627
1366344367
Posted 1392590896
Reply with quote #1
Has anyone ever used cocoa shells for their figs? I was looking for a new potting mix today and kept smelling something sweet... I finally saw this bag on the bottom shelf tucked way back.
BronxFigs
1333154764
Posted 1392593422
Reply with quote #2
I used it for years as a top dressing/mulch. It will last for quite a while if it can dry out (top dressing). A a component in your growing mix....since figs require frequent repotting, it should work well. By the time it breaks down, it's also time to repot.
figgary
1387147322
Posted 1392598814
Reply with quote #3
I've always heard that it's not good for dogs, should they decide to chew or eat it. Might want to research that.
johnnyq627
1366344367
Posted 1392603164
Reply with quote #4
Thanks for the feedback guys. I had read about the cautions with dogs, but I chalk it up to the normal chocolate over exageration. Besides, my dog shouldn't be eating my pots! The shells had a nice texture and really made the mix feel a lot smoother. Once my pine bark ice block melts, I'll be able to up pot some of my cups.
buonnatale2u
1299090139
Posted 1392656803
Reply with quote #5
I used them in my mix for figs a few years ago and thought the smell was nice too. Then a few weeks later, I had a BAD issue with them rotting and molding and had to re-pot everything a couple of weeks later. I would not recommend them! There were a couple other forum members a while back who experienced the same and maybe you can find an old post on it. Can you get pine bark fines instead?
bullet08
1284496248
Posted 1392657698
Reply with quote #6
never used them. not because i had any bad experience or anything. back about 10 yrs ago, i was looking for substrate for the poison dart frogs terrarium. i heard bad things about anything related to coconuts. not sure if it's true, but from what i've heard, they rot easy and that attracts gnats. poison dark frogs will enjoy the snack at first, but the number will quickly overwhelm the frogs and they will start to stress and run into bad health. since i heard they are bad for the frogs, and attract gnats, i never used it on the figs.
buonnatale2u
1299090139
Posted 1392657882
Reply with quote #7
Here is a thread with some mix experiments. Mention of cocoa hulls around post #26. I hope this helps. I just would feel bad if you have to go through what I did and some others and have to re pot. I know, the smell and feel of them dry seems to be a tempting medium, however, once they get wet, they never dry out and start to rot and mold. They got "stinky" too.http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/potting-mix-experiment-semigritty-and-promix-combo-5732950
Ampersand
1389979527
Posted 1392659564
Reply with quote #8
They do tend to mold but it goes away fairly quickly. I'd suggest more as a mulch than part of a soil blend.
dfoster25
1337044031
Posted 1392689486
Reply with quote #9
They smell good when dry, but are about worthless in the soil or as a mulch. I would spend your money on something else.
johnnyq627
1366344367
Posted 1392693067
Reply with quote #10
Thanks for the reading material Christy!
johnnyq627
1366344367
Posted 1393041360
Reply with quote #11
As of today the fig is doing great. The self watering pot is holding moisture, but is not soggy. I up-potted some of my larger trees to see how they handle it as well.
bullet08
1284496248
Posted 1393052627
Reply with quote #12
like everything else.. it's what a person does. it's not the specific technique. it's not some theory written by phd. it's what a person can do with what he has on his hand. i studied.. 6-7 different martial art in my life. i'll probably get beat up on the first fight. but, i know what the trick is. and i won't share it :)
