new and wondering?

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Dan796

Registered:1340807704
Posts: 320

Posted 1340915758	Reply with quote #1

I'm new here and I'm curious to know, since I'm living in the Mountains of WV if zone 6a is the same here as it is in other parts of the country of zone 6a ? Where I live, because of the mountain elevations here, Summers are short, from about June, until about the end of September. an average of 78-80 degrees F during the day with cool nights averaging about 60-65 degrees F during the summer. we also average about 3.5 inches of rain a month in summer. Winters here can be very snowy, with temps down to about -5 to -10 degrees F a few nights to a few weeks during the winter. I have only one fig tree, a small 1 gallon potted Chicago Hardy Fig (My first) as of this spring, and I wonder if anyone can recommend what they have tried that might grow well in my area? Also, since I'm disabled, and living on a fixed income, anywhere I could find inexpensive cuttings or started plants would be of a big help to my situation. Thanks! __________________ Dan~ WV zone 5-6 ________________

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1340916755	Reply with quote #2

Sorry for your disabilities, and hope you are able to find inexpensive cuttings. One of the best ways to do this is to look in your neighborhood, arrive bearing gifts, introduce yourself, and ask for some green fresh cuttings. If there are trees in your neighborhood, you know they are going to do well in your area. Most here are generous and ready to help. What grows happily here in the hot desert of So CA will probably die in your area. I'd start with a neighborhood walk and chat. People are usually very happy you admire their tree and willing to share cuttings (without figs on them). Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

go4broek

Registered:1287592943
Posts: 1,200

Posted 1340918079	Reply with quote #3

Dan, All that zone designation means is that your average winter low temps are the same for areas in that zone. Precipitation amounts will vary considerably. How much room do you have for in-gound or potted figs? Are you wanting varieties that may survive outside or do you have room to move them indoors when it gets very cold? __________________ Ruben Cibolo, TX/Zone 8b Wish List: Dalmatie, Italian 258, Martin's Unknown (not the Italian), CdD-N, NdC, Signora, Latarolla, Stella! Check out my online journal @ http://davesgarden.com/community/journals/vbc/go4broek/83546/

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1340918318	Reply with quote #4

Dan..... Don't worry about growing fig trees in the summer months, that's easy....worry about keeping them alive over the winter months, that requires planning. You can deal with your summer growing conditions, quite easily, with proper care and culture. Just make sure you pick a variety that will ripen fruit in your short growing season, and unless you are adventurous, or, like to experiment, stay away from figs that do well in the Southern and Western states. They need long, hot summers to ripen main-crop figs. There are very good varieties, like your "Chicago Hardy" that will give you something good to eat for your efforts....by September....if not, sooner. Now...we need to know what your plans are....will you grow your figs in containers, or, do you plan on putting them in the ground? You mention that you are disabled. An easy way to grow figs is to plant them in large containers. Place the container on a dolly, and roll the trees from location to location. The cost of a 18 gallon container from Home Depot is about $8.00-$10.00. A dolly is less than $20.00, and will last forever, with care. Buy a tree that is close to, or, at bearing age. It's more expensive, but you will have instant success, and, fruit to eat. I just saw some fig trees at bearing age for $39.00. So for less than $100.00 you can set yourself up, with a bearing-age tree, dolly container w/growing medium. If you have an un-heated garage, or, storage shed, store your tree(s) there, for the cold winter months. You can easily grow a 5-7 ft. tree in a 18 gallon container, and it will give you dozens of figs. If you decide to plant your tree in-ground, then it is a different story altogether. I have no experiences with in-ground figs, and will not be able to advise you. Other members of this forum will give you the help you seek. Tell us what you want, and we will try to help you with your questions. Hope this will help. Frank __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

Dan796

Registered:1340807704
Posts: 320

Posted 1340918696	Reply with quote #5

Thanks Suzi! I appreciate your suggestions! :) Unfortunately, living in a mountainous area is not very good for getting about when you're disabled, and houses are few and far between where I live. This year, Lowes was the only place fig trees could be found here, and Chicago Hardy was the only choice available ! :( They were also trying to get BT but, I was told the grower had disease problems with the plants and cancelled shipment. Seems folks aren't very open to trying new things here, I haven't seen any figs planted anywhere in my area. But, I still look for them when I do get out and about. Thanks for your input! __________________ Dan~ WV zone 5-6 ________________

Dan796

Registered:1340807704
Posts: 320

Posted 1340920865	Reply with quote #6

Wow! Thanks guys for your help and suggestions! I am actually interested in a few container grown figs, (I have a tiny aluminum outdoor shed) and the rest in the ground because I have half an acre of ground that's begging for someing to grow in it besides weeds!! The largest local town to me is Beckley, and it only has a Lowes in it! As far as 18 gallon pots here, they range between $35.00 - $50.00 each at Walmart, and they are by far cheaper than Lowes! But, I can get a 20 gallon plastic bucket here for $ 28.00 ! Go figure! LOL So, I think it will be much more cost effective if I do most of my growing in ground. Thanks guys! __________________ Dan~ WV zone 5-6 ________________

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1340922231	Reply with quote #7

Dan... Wish you the best of luck with growing fig trees. Frank __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

Dan796

Registered:1340807704
Posts: 320

Posted 1340922913	Reply with quote #8

Thanks Frank! I do havea Horticutural college back round, so that will help some i'm sure. But, if it wasn't for my fixed living funds, and the high prices here, ( I grow best in pots myself!) I'd have a forest of pots! But, it's time to use good gardening techniques for now! __________________ Dan~ WV zone 5-6 ________________

The_celt

Registered:1291260537
Posts: 874

Posted 1340936825	Reply with quote #9

I say Mvsb is a great plant all around. It is very hardy way hardier than hc for me. it grows fast and for me is fairly early. I haven't even wrapped mine in 2 years with no die back __________________ http://sumosteaks.com/

nkesh099

Registered:1267670012
Posts: 863

Posted 1340937280	Reply with quote #10

Welcome to the forum Dan. May I ask where in WV do you live?

Dan796

Registered:1340807704
Posts: 320

Posted 1340937403	Reply with quote #11

Thanks Celt! We can have freezes up until about the middle of May here! Unfortunately, I'm bad at abrevations.... :( I'd guess hc = hardy chicago? Can you tell me what a Mvsb is? Sorry! (a newbie's down fall) so much to learn ! __________________ Dan~ WV zone 5-6 ________________

motownnj

Registered:1319238695
Posts: 42

Posted 1340938624	Reply with quote #12

Dan, I live in north NJ in a borderline 6a/b area. There are tons of figs here, many the result of Italian/portugese immigrants, many decades old, but also you can usually find 2-3 varieties at any nursery or HD. Here I would say about half to two thirds "protect" during the winter, which involves wrapping (you can find lots of details on that here also). Those who dont end up with a bushy fig ~6ft tall max that suffers dieback on some branches, which can simply be pruned off in the spring. Even these plants still fruit every year. My weather is a little more condusive than your's to figs, but not much. Neither way (potted or in ground) is really easy in a borderline area, but I would probably argue in ground is easier, because you can basically forget about it all summer and it will do fine. Potted you'll have to be pulling the fig in and out of the shed on hot days in the spring, so it doesnt start to grow too early. the simplest care that would likely work in your area is in ground, around t-giving throw 6+ inches of mulch on it, then leaves then pine/spruce bows etc. should survive the winter. Also a benefit of this will be the plant will grow suckers which you can dig up in the spring and plant for another tree (easy propigation method) Kudos to you for trying new things out in WV! Variety is the spice of life!

The_celt

Registered:1291260537
Posts: 874

Posted 1340938664	Reply with quote #13

Marseilles vs black. Stick around vs is a good man He may be able to help you more than I can I only know what grows well for me and what I force togrow well for me __________________ http://sumosteaks.com/

Dan796

Registered:1340807704
Posts: 320

Posted 1340941593	Reply with quote #14

Thanks for the welcome nkesh099! I live near Beckley, WV right above a coal mine! In the Applachian mountains about 60 minutes west of the VA state line, and 90 minutes North of the Tenn. state line. __________________ Dan~ WV zone 5-6 ________________

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