zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464500460
Reply with quote #1
Hello, I viewed Bills SIPS slide presentation on Figs4Fun. It seems pretty straightforward, but I'm left with a couple questions. 1) does water fill inside each 4" section of pipe at the bottom of the pot? If so, do you need to perforate the pieces of pipe so water can flow between them to fill all of them? 2) does it matter where in the pot you run your fill tube? I know it has to get to the bottom, but should it be inserted into one of the soil reservoirs or into one of the 4" pipe pieces? I'm not very handy so I'm just trying to understand as thoroughly as possible before I build it. Thank you for your help in understanding these details.
California Central Coast
Elfarach
1409716614
Posted 1464533959
Reply with quote #2
The fill tube should definitely go into the empty spaces, putting it into the soil reservoirs would clog it up pretty quick... Since I'm still pretty new to this hobby I don't have any trees big enough to fill a huge pot like Bill's so I started small with 4gal buckets to practice... SWP's do make a difference I've noticed... Thought I had a better pic, you can see a couple here, not the prettiest things but very functional... Hopefully in a couple years these could be moved into something the size of Bill's pots...
fignatic
1415840587
Posted 1464535093
Reply with quote #3
The water does fill inside each 4" section of pipe and the last time that I was out at Bills I noticed that he cuts the pipe sections out of perforated drainage pipe. The fill pipe goes into any area that is not filled with soil for wicking and when I build mine I usually drill the overflow hole on the oposite side of the container. I also noticed the Bill doesn't put the plastic cover over his established trees anymore. Good Luck with your build.
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464535543
Reply with quote #4
Thank you both for your helpful responses!!!! I think I'm ready to build!!
California Central Coast
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464536133
Reply with quote #5
Oh wait! One more question! What are you using for planting soil? I was going to use MG Organic potting soil with moisture control. Do you think that will wick effectively? I noticed Bill didn't recommend MG. Thank you again!!!!!!!
California Central Coast
Sas
1350079929
Posted 1464538264
· Edited
Reply with quote #6
If I recall correctly, following Bill's model (Thank You Bill), I used the following to construct my SIPhttp://www.homedepot.com/p/22-1-2-in-Dia-Rustic-Oak-Resin-Whiskey-Barrel-Planter-with-Iron-Band-HDR-023395/205626595 http://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-PVC-DWV-Coupling-C4801HD4/100342850 http://www.homedepot.com/p/27-in-x-8-ft-Steel-Lath-2-5-METAL-LATH/202093395 http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-1-2-in-x-10-ft-PVC-Sch-40-DWV-Plain-End-Pipe-531111/100135041 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-Gro-50-Qt-Moisture-Control-Potting-Mix-70190430/206553444
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464542773
Reply with quote #7
Super helpful Sas. Thank you! Instead of lathe could I use hardware cloth?
California Central Coast
Sas
1350079929
Posted 1464543231
· Edited
Reply with quote #8
I don't see why not. It's the concept that matters. As long as you can support the weight of soil and have the wicking action then you're on your way. These might be easier to work with.
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464543452
Reply with quote #9
Right on! Thank you!!!
California Central Coast
rafaelissimmo
1335639347
Posted 1464553022
Reply with quote #10
Bill uses mushroom compost as medium and I do recommend that over promix or any 5-1-1 mix. The fill tube goes to the bottom, the cutoff pipe rounds are below wire lath and a layer of burlap, so while some soil mix can get in them, it is generally not much. The fill tube definitely does not go down into one of the pipe circles. The water you send down the fill tube flows into the soil around the pipe rounds, which is the wicking for the SIP.
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464564490
Reply with quote #11
The mushroom compost works like magic. I also use it. Works great in superoot pots too.
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464565525
Reply with quote #12
Here's one of my largest trees, Smith, in one of Bill's design using a half 55g barrel. My pots hold around 5g of water..
Attached Images image.jpg (446.65 KB, 119 views)
fignatic
1415840587
Posted 1464565951
Reply with quote #13
I also use the mushroom compost for all of my sips but be careful because it may need slow release lime to make it better for the figs. This is also what Bill does.
figpig_66
1416870358
Posted 1464574318
Reply with quote #14
Where do you find bills Sips directions. ?
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464576384
Reply with quote #15
Here, but this is his old way. He uses a little smaller pot today by 2 inches and he doesn't use the PVC drain pipe. Today, he just drills the hole. I know...Bill told me all this on the phone .
http://figs4fun.com/bills_figs.html
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464579196
Reply with quote #16
Since bill is using a 2 inch shallower pot did he change the height of his reservoir to compensate? So instead of 3.5" high pipe sections on the bottom did he he decrease the height to say 2.5 to 3 inches?
California Central Coast
PeterC
1442348302
Posted 1464579308
Reply with quote #17
my next build will be 3 inches, good question and it makes sense.
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464579396
Reply with quote #18
Is it just straight mushroom compost and lime or do you cut it with perlite or bark?
California Central Coast
coop951
1217167527
Posted 1464583858
Reply with quote #19
It is straight mushroom compost, osmocote and pelletized lime. I've been using this combination for many years now. I root prune every 3 years. Works better than any other containerized potting I have ever used. It is however a very very heavy pot to deal with and put away
Coop Northern NJ Zone 7a
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464586889
Reply with quote #20
Thanks for the info everyone! I appreciate it! Do you mix the osmocote and Pelletized line into the compost or do you apply as a top dressing?
California Central Coast
Sas
1350079929
Posted 1464591700
Reply with quote #21
These are slow release pellets, I've done it both ways and saw no difference in the results. If I sprinkle it on top I hit it with a hose just to help it dissolve a little. If you get some rain it will also help it dissolve. Rafael's description is more accurate than mine. I did mine over two years ago and forgot about the burlap. it should be burlap not weed barrier.
rafaelissimmo
1335639347
Posted 1464615373
Reply with quote #22
I should also add that the fill tube can be made superfluous by adding a drip line over the top into your SIP, which Bill does and as of last year, I am also doing.
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464617083
Reply with quote #23
Coop is very correct! These pots are very heavy! Look close at my pic. All of mine are supported with a small movers dolly. Expensive? Yes but well worth it when you have to move it. If I ever have to transport it, the wheels roll insid the slots of my lage 600lb hand truck. But I prefer these pots because the tree is maintenance free for 3 years. Once you try growing figs in them, you will love it!
Elfarach
1409716614
Posted 1464638959
Reply with quote #24
Dennis: When using a 55gal barrel, are you cutting it in half to make 2 or do you think it would be better leaving it taller???
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464655291
Reply with quote #25
Cut it in half to make 2 27g pots. I get mine $10 a barrel.
Sas
1350079929
Posted 1464656487
Reply with quote #26
Hi Dennis,
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Pennington-13-in-Wood-Barrel-Mover-100511672/205311866?fbtLinkClicked=1464633368443|205626595
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464658498
Reply with quote #27
Honestly i think they will last a month or 3. As soon as the wood Gets wet those plastic wheels will fall out. Get these
http://m.harborfreight.com/material-handling/dollies.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided
DaveL
1418927587
Posted 1464702867
Reply with quote #28
Does anyone know why Bill no longer covers his SIPs with a plastic cover. Initially, when I copied his method, the plastic cover was put on so the roots would be drawn to the wicking area and not rely on top water. It made sense, so why the change?
Blackfoot
1437593776
Posted 1464705168
Reply with quote #29
"I should also add that the fill tube can be made superfluous by adding a drip line over the top into your SIP, which Bill does and as of last year, I am also doing." Rafaelissimmo, are you saying that the drip emitter is inserted into the overflow pipe (so the water goes in and out the same pipe?)
Blackfoot
1437593776
Posted 1464705251
Reply with quote #30
Sas: Why do you feel it is important that it is burlap instead of weed barrier?
rusty_hooks
1428021027
Posted 1464710599
Reply with quote #31
I'm going to kick in a few here....I haven't in a whiledegrade by the time you're ready to trim roots the first time in 3-4 years, I wouldn't use landscape cloth...it doesn't degrade and will block the roots from getting into the SIP....you'll find the reservoir full of roots when its time to prune..they like it there...that's the purpose of the sip...get the roots into the waterspend money here http://www.fresh-group.com/heavy-pot-mover/4587790387
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464711289
Reply with quote #32
Rusty, how deep are those Costco pots? Aren't they around 14 inches or less? I can't remember. I use both burlap and weed cloth. Both work fine for me. I also use 4 inch gutter flex drain pipe instead of the 3 1/2 inch pvc. It all works.
rusty_hooks
1428021027
Posted 1464714600
· Edited
Reply with quote #33
Dennis,
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464736563
Reply with quote #34
Thanks Rusty.
coop951
1217167527
Posted 1464747411
Reply with quote #35
Here is some examples of what we're talking about:
Coop Northern NJ Zone 7a
PeterC
1442348302
Posted 1464748886
Reply with quote #36
very nice Coop!
zeitgeist
1428939457
Posted 1464753984
Reply with quote #37
Awesome!!!!
California Central Coast
Blackfoot
1437593776
Posted 1464776584
Reply with quote #38
Coop: Do you mind if I ask how old is that tree?
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464784984
Reply with quote #39
Coop, did you get that pot from Bill? I haven't seen those down here in NC anywhere. They look like Bill's older and deeper pots. Those are the ones to get. IMHO
coop951
1217167527
Posted 1464792303
· Edited
Reply with quote #40
Hi Dennis, i did not buy that pot directly from Bill but it is made by the same company that he uses. I bought it from a garden center and it's the same size as the one he sells only a different outside design. Also, I have these at least 5 years or so. After buying a few from Bill I thought I'd source my own and build a few. Turns out between all the components my SIP cost not that much less than what Bill charges all in. I also felt that I'd rather support Bill anyway. That one is an exact copy of his.
Coop Northern NJ Zone 7a
johnnyq627
1366344367
Posted 1464795039
Reply with quote #41
I love the SIPs and how well they grow figs, but I've gotten away from them the last year or so. My reasons are pretty simple... space. They take up a lot of room in my garage and they are too heavy to stack on top of one another. They are also too heavy to do the fig shuffle with. If you have the room and the strength though, they grow figs better than anything else I've found. For now, I've started using tree pots with holes only in the side and burying them halfway in the ground. We will see how they work in comparison.
APORTO
1443104360
Posted 1464809679
Reply with quote #42
My go-to plant caddy is:http://www.lowes.com/pd_607936-27607-52427___?productId=50328213&pl=1&Ntt=plant+caddy https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00466Q7WY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464811528
Reply with quote #43
Air pruning? You bet! Works great! There's a guy on YouTube that created one using a 55g barrel. I keep saying I'm gonna try it but haven't yet. I use a lot of super root pots. They are dynamite if you use the correct soil like pure compost.
Jodi
1443230258
Posted 1464819495
Reply with quote #44
Man what a bunch of happy trees. They are impressive beauties...Some Newbie questions here...why are these in the SIPS? Winter freeze back situations or just better? Also where do you get the mushroom compost that isn't more expensive than gold??? And I thought I just had to figure out the rooting, now the heat and more...
In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.
Blackfoot
1437593776
Posted 1464823231
Reply with quote #45
Hi Jodi:
Jodi
1443230258
Posted 1464823593
Reply with quote #46
Wow from cow dung to mushroom compost. Reminds me of the difference between prunes and dried plums! Thanks for the clarity Blackfoot. I will have to check into that. I don't know about commercial mushroom growers around here, but we sure had great lobster mushrooms last year. Hoping for another great year of exploring and foraging in the mountains. Best, Jodi
In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.
coop951
1217167527
Posted 1464833984
Reply with quote #47
Jodi"why are these in the SIPS?" "Also where do you get the mushroom compost that isn't more expensive than gold???"
Coop Northern NJ Zone 7a
Jodi
1443230258
Posted 1464834608
Reply with quote #48
Thanks Coop. A very beneficial day for me to check in with the fig think tank. You fig lovers are so adaptive. Now if I can just get the figlets to survive the heat wave maybe I will have to try the mushroom compost and the SIPS. Sounds like the figs dig both. ;-)
In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.
snaglpus
1244258188
Posted 1464835142
Reply with quote #49
And I can a pickup load around 2yds of mushroom compost for 35 dollars. I usually use 4 loads a year. And just Monday, I bought a F-150 to get bigger screen loads! LOL
PeterC
1442348302
Posted 1464836826
Reply with quote #50
I have never seen this stuff, will have to look harder for it. two yards for $35.00! that is dirt cheap ;)
