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

Hi, Bill: I think spagnum moss works best but either will work. You just need to be sure the moisture is consistent. As for the non-fruiting issue, im not sure but i imagine it could be a number of reasons. Perhaps soil imbalance?

Im sure others will respond with more suggestions.

I like how you can just take air layers from neighbors....lol.

LOL... Overhanging branches of any type tree frequently fall under the responsibility of the person whose yard is being overhung.... I've never seen my neighbors come and offer to rake the leaves in my yard that fell from their tree or offer to cut back an overhanging branch that is shading my garden. I guess air layering of a neighbors overhanging fig limbs would be AOK by me.

T

That's awesome that you air layer your neighbors :)

Unless it's a patented variety it's totally fine to do whatever you want with branches over your property as long as you don't poison the tree.

If your rooting mix doesn't hold water well you have to water it more frequently or add a little something to retain water.  There doesn't have to be a lot.

Bill I was in Santa Rosa 5or 6 years ago I stayed at Vintners Inn on 4350 Barnes Rd. The restaurant served a fig dish when a complimented the chef he told me that he grew them in is garden on site and invited me to help myself, I DID!!!! He had many varieties some in pots some trees and even a cordon stile planting. I was not into fig growing then so didn't ask nor take any cuttings. It was a beautiful experience,I been tempted to go back, this time I would ask to buy suckers or cuttings. Not sure if same chef is still there but the figs should be. Worth the time to check it out. Welcome to the forum, I envy you for being in fig heaven

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.