Growing organic figs? What do you use on figs?

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Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1466515598 · Edited	Reply with quote #1

I have been using worm castings as fertilizer and worm tea to deter non-beneficial bugs for a good number of years. Its easy to use & easy to get. You can even buy it on Amazon! I also found that people who are into aquaponics know some other good tricks such as spraying spider mites with diluted kelp. Another idea is to use broken eggshells around figlettes to deters snails. I would like to know anything else that anyone in the group wants to share. Any organic recipe for figs or plants? I am always looking for help With this. Thanks! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Centurion

Registered:1293429646
Posts: 810

Posted 1466516406	Reply with quote #2

Are we talking about inground trees? All I do is mulch heavily, add a little lime to the soil if they start to yellow (which they aren't doing anymore), and water once a week, or sometimes twice when temps are consistently over 105. I have used a soapy spray to zap some of the bigger nastier bugs we have here in Arizona, but other than that...they seem to thrive without much care once established. __________________ Dave Verde Valley, AZ Zone 8

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1466519414	Reply with quote #3

Quote: Originally Posted by Smyfigs I have been using worm castings as fertilizer and worm tea to deter non-beneficial bugs for a good number of years. Its easy to use & easy to get. You can even buy it on Amazon! I also found that people who are into aquaponics know some other good tricks such as spraying spider mites with diluted kelp. Another idea is to use broken eggshells around figlettes to deters snails. I would like to know anything else that anyone in the group wants to share. Any organic recipe for figs or plants? I am always looking for help With this. Thanks! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1466519559	Reply with quote #4

I am referring to in ground or potted. I think most pests plague potted figs due to soil depleation. When the soil is out of balance, it weakens the tree & makes it susceptible to pests, etc. at least thats what I have noticed. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

figpig_66

Registered:1416870358
Posts: 2,678

Posted 1466523751	Reply with quote #5

Compost tea is awsome. I use it too. I can suggest adding molasses to your recipe and air pump with stone. Greatly improves the microbes. 3 days with covered lid. __________________ RICHIE BONI HICKORY LOUISIANA ZONE 8B WARM HUMID WINRERS ARE VERY MILD LOW 20'S BUT WARMS RIGHT UP DURING THE DAY. SUMMER IS EXTREMELY HOT & HUMID 100 degrees 100% humidity fig tree grow like crazy but some split from rain & humidity Wish list. Col de dame blanc Col de rimada Lsu numbered figs

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1466552385	Reply with quote #6

Hi, Richie: yes, molases increases the bacteria. I also add liquid kelp. I know James "Greenfin" also uses his "fish poop" on his plants. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

FigWhisperer

Registered:1390447672
Posts: 106

Posted 1466611544	Reply with quote #7

Fish Meal or Fish Fertilizer does wonders for fig growth. __________________ Frank Q. Figs: Food from paradise Wish-list:A good harvest :) Now you can follow http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesFigForest

Rob

Registered:1320245426
Posts: 550

Posted 1466616096	Reply with quote #8

Nothing messes with my figs here. No need for all that stuff. Slugs won't touch the leaves; other insects won't either. Only problem I have is with birds and wasps when the figs start to ripen. They are so darn sweet the wasps can't help themselves, and bird will peck a hole in any fruit they come across. Organza bags work reasonably well to limit these types of attacks. I don't think my potting mix is particularly good. It's mostly pine bark in various states of decay. I just think that fig trees are resilient and resistant to pests. Maybe due to all the latex in the sap. __________________ Rob Maryland Zone 7 http://rbfigs.webs.com/

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1466622524	Reply with quote #9

Frank, I'm with you on that Fish meal & Fish Fertilizer promotes growth. I add that to my worm tea mix too. It's amazing! Of course, my dogs constantly come smell my plants thinking there is fish somewhere...lol. Also, Rob, my Kadota gets attacked by the Japanese Beetle so at first sight of them I spray worm tea and they stay away. I know it does not deter birds so organza bags are it. Maybe it will help with the wasps? __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

FigWhisperer

Registered:1390447672
Posts: 106

Posted 1467351398	Reply with quote #10

Meg, what is a worm tea? How do you make it? __________________ Frank Q. Figs: Food from paradise Wish-list:A good harvest :) Now you can follow http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesFigForest

smatthew

Registered:1423266323
Posts: 180

Posted 1467376903	Reply with quote #11

First you dry the worms out, then you put them in a tea bag. Steep that in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes and you have worm tea! Or take worm castings, put them in a bucket with water and an air source and let them brew for a day. Don't drink! __________________ Blackberry & Fig Farmer in East Bay San Francisco - Sunol. Wanted (4): Emalyn's Purple, IT-258, Pastiliere and Milco Caprifig.

sobelri

Registered:1429038724
Posts: 89

Posted 1467378737	Reply with quote #12

Alfalfa meal. __________________ SE Texas, zone 8b

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1467544486 · Edited	Reply with quote #13

Frank, for a simple worm tea i just put a good two or three cups of castings into a 5 gallon bucket & let it steep over night then just pour into my potted plants. To keep away bad pests i SPRAY it on my plants. This also stimulates growth. If i want to make a stronger, more complex brew i add equal parts of molasses, fish fertilizer and liquid kelp as well. I put an air stone at the bottom and let the brew aerate for 24 hours before using it. This REALLY makes figs/plants happy! You can buy all of the ingrediants at an aquaponics store or Amazon. Scott...lol. Poor wormies! Solberi, Alfalfa meal is great too! I found a link with some good detail...http://www.gardeniq.com/alfalfa-meal. I also have a typical composting bin as well as a Bokashi bucket. I always feel that whatever i or my family eats should be as natural as possible. I cant control everything , of course, but i do my best. And, its really easy once you know what ingrediants to use. I found that EB STONE has a great assortment of really good organic products if you have thebudget for it. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

sobelri

Registered:1429038724
Posts: 89

Posted 1467548279	Reply with quote #14

Meg - you can mix a little alfalfa meal into your vermicompost bin. The worms will eat it and it will just add some additional diversity to your worm tea. Just don't put too much in as it does heat up. As far as organics go, you might find Howard Garret's show an additional source of information. https://www.dirtdoctor.com/ __________________ SE Texas, zone 8b

VeryNew2Figs

Registered:1441488407
Posts: 241

Posted 1467555504	Reply with quote #15

True story. I made my mother-in-law some compost tea and put it in an empty juice container and told her to use it as soon as she could while it was still good. Weeks later I saw the container in her yard. Come to find out she didn't use it because she thought it was drinkable tea made with compost. I do make a lot of homemade stuff, but even I wouldn't go that far. For organics I like what's already been suggested (alfalfa, vermi compost, fish, kelp). Homemade compost is always good. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to get reasonably priced __________________ Cheryl Chicago, Zone 6a (That's what they say, but it still feels like 5) Growing: Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Brunswick, Kadota, Ischia Green, Desert King, Osborne Prolific (slow but steady), Malta Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Texas Everbearing, Beall, White Adriatic, Nolo Pink Eyed Lady. Rooting: Ronde de Bordeaux, Celeste, Nero 600 m, Violetta Bayernfeing, Marseilles Black VS, Celeste.

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1467562767	Reply with quote #16

Thanks for the tip, Solberi! Cheryl, funny story:-). I just shop everywhere for good prices. I check circular papers for specials and then also compare to Amazon Prime prices, which is great because its free shipping and, the competition keeps prices at an on-line equilibrium. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

FigWhisperer

Registered:1390447672
Posts: 106

Posted 1467609875	Reply with quote #17

thank you Meg. __________________ Frank Q. Figs: Food from paradise Wish-list:A good harvest :) Now you can follow http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesFigForest

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1467695032	Reply with quote #18

Thanks for sharing your funny story, Cheryl. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

VeryNew2Figs

Registered:1441488407
Posts: 241

Posted 1467735872	Reply with quote #19

Thanks, Meg. Lots of fun stuff goes on around here. I meant to add the word kelp at the end of that first post, how to find kelp reasonably priced. If I lived near an ocean I'd know where to go. __________________ Cheryl Chicago, Zone 6a (That's what they say, but it still feels like 5) Growing: Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Brunswick, Kadota, Ischia Green, Desert King, Osborne Prolific (slow but steady), Malta Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Texas Everbearing, Beall, White Adriatic, Nolo Pink Eyed Lady. Rooting: Ronde de Bordeaux, Celeste, Nero 600 m, Violetta Bayernfeing, Marseilles Black VS, Celeste.

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1467736849 · Edited	Reply with quote #20

Yes, this is a great forum! Actually, you can find liquid kelp anywhere. I have seen it at Home Depot "Pennington 32 oz. Pure Kelp Plant Food" for $10. But you can look it up on Amazon and find a good deal there too. My plants love it! Let me know how ut works for you. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

veggie_girl

Registered:1413504464
Posts: 29

Posted 1467738837	Reply with quote #21

I make my own compost and also have a work bin. I juice a lot and the worms love the juice pulp, I just make sure to juice citrus separately so that that doesn't go in the worm bin.

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1467743183	Reply with quote #22

Hi, Diane! Yes, worms love pulp! I have been juicing for many years too but my juicer broke (old, old juicer) so i need a new one. Maybe i PM you about brand questions :-) Yes, citrus, tomato, pineapple all separate. I do give my worms all watermelon remnants, which they love too. Gosh, so glad you mentioned this! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

veggie_girl

Registered:1413504464
Posts: 29

Posted 1467765899	Reply with quote #23

Yeah, for sure, I've done lots of research on juicers.

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