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Subject: Venomous Insects and Spiders? Replies: 31
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 359
 
Every year my wife and I find very young praying mantis on our gardenia bushes in front of our home.
Never have found a adult, only little 2" long ones.
Great insects.

Doug

Subject: aphids Replies: 18
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 237
 
 I have a lot of trees.
When aphids were a bad problem with young trees, I used to spray malithion
in early spring as leaves were forming but before figs had formed.
This would control them for months. I never spray after figs have formed.
You would not believe the negative feed back I got when I said what I used to control bugs.
Now people are realizing it's not such a bad idea after all.
It simply works.  Ask those who complain to show you a safer way that actually works,
They get quiet.
Now I have found pyola spray concentrate. It is a much safer to use than malathion
and works even better with my situation. If you spray before blossoms open, it helps reduce bee
killing and I do have a bee hive so I try to protect my bees.
Simply washing aphids off will only assure you they will just return. There is nothing
to stop them without using some kind of chemical.
Sucks, but that is how they feed.


Doug

Subject: OT - Southeastern Fig Festival - Charlotte, NC Replies: 116
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 4,407
 
I'm confused.
Is it the 20th or 13th?
13th now?
Doug

Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
For sure.
Nothing to mess with.
If you can walk away from it at the state park, it's no big deal.
When they are around your property, it is totally a different situation.
They blend in so well to surroundings.
Be aware!

Doug

Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
I wonder why doctors do not prescribe?
Just reading the benefits of turmeric on line, amazing.
There are also many bad side effects.
Please read

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-TURMERIC.aspx?activeIngredientId=662&activeIngredientName=TURMERIC



Doug

Subject: OT-Ever wonder what our members look like? Replies: 313
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 22,854
 
It sucks that he can do as he pleases, and will flat out tell you that.
He has my 3 cup in his stickies, he just refuses to delete my account.
Sorry to change subject of the thread.
I wish somebody out there could convince him I'm not going back
and I want my private photo removed.

Doug

Subject: OT-Ever wonder what our members look like? Replies: 313
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 22,854
 
ourfigs

Subject: OT-Ever wonder what our members look like? Replies: 313
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 22,854
 
If I could get my picture removed from the other site I would add it here.
It's "hotel California" at the other site.
20 requests to remove my account there just get ignored.


Doug

Subject: Fig Thief. Can You ID Footprint? Replies: 47
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 620
 
You might consider hanging the rag from a hook on to a limb.
Afraid what ammonia could do to the bark.
I make up blood meal balls out of leg hosing then dip in ammonia.
I use plastic or wire ties to hang from a limb.
It keeps deer and other critters away.


Doug

Subject: Making cheese with fig sap. Replies: 45
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 3,215
 
So cool, gotta try it.

Doug

Subject: Updated on my VdB=negronne issue Replies: 34
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,834
 
My vdb put out single lobe leaves when it was less than 2 years old.
Now there are only long fingered leaves.
I believe it is just part of the plant maturing.
Doug

Subject: Fig Thief. Can You ID Footprint? Replies: 47
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 620
 
It does appear to have the thumb of a opossum with that picture.

Subject: Fig Thief. Can You ID Footprint? Replies: 47
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 620
 
Raccoon

Subject: Healthy Dwarf fig tree not producing fruit Replies: 36
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 487
 
Wish ya luck.
Many times it's all you need to jump start a fig to fruiting.

Doug

Subject: Venomous Insects and Spiders? Replies: 31
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 359
 
Just another pest to watch out for.
Last night
as I was weeding my lsu scotts black I got stung twice before I
knew what was going on.
Wasps have built a small nest on the bottom side of the fig leaf.

Be careful all.

Doug


Subject: Healthy Dwarf fig tree not producing fruit Replies: 36
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 487
 
Try pinching tips off branches. Give it 3-4 weeks.
If still no figs, not much hope.
My trees try to produce their first year in ground, 7 years is
way beyond the ability to fruit.


Doug

Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
2 people can cover a large enough area to get that snake moving and spotted.

Anywhere shaded and cool.

Doug

Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
Wish I lived closer I'd help ya find it.


Doug

Subject: Nursery & In-Ground Update, Zone 7 Replies: 17
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 337
 
Last year we had 2 late frosts. Killed all the new leaf buds twice!
That sucked as it delayed growth for a few extra weeks,
The age of the tree makes all the difference in ground.
I get killed back to the ground with a very bad winter and trees less than
2 years old. When they are 3 years old they have survived the winter with no
problem. When they got killed to the ground, only 1 or 2 out of 30-40 young trees
did not grow back. Don't worry about the killing back to the ground, they grow back even stronger.

I planted my rows 10-12 feet apart, my tree spacing is 6-8 feet apart. I was more cocerned
about making sure I had good drainage vs exact spacing.I planted in rows.
I will be keeping my trees trimmed back with cuttings so they never grow out of reach.

In time, the trees take care of themselves.

Doug


Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
Denis you said you had a allergic reaction to the venom?
Did the actual venom not harm you?
I have read that copperheads do not have the quick killing
type venom like rattlers.
Just curious if your allergic reaction is normal with anybody getting bit by a copperhead.
The pain, the swelling, the bruising is quite usual for a copperhead bite.

I'm very happy you survived this incident.
If you do not kill it, next time you get bit I would go to ER
immediately. Take no chances, find it and eliminate it.

Doug


Subject: Venomous Insects and Spiders? Replies: 31
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 359
 
Snakes eat snakes. When you have an excess of one it usually means its feeding on its prey and has plenty to eat..
This article kinda explains why I want no snakes on my property, if I can help it. If I had a bunch of garter snakes, then
I believe I would have a high concentration of poisonous snakes to feed them. I rarely see snakes any more, we tamed some wild ferrel
cats that hang around. They will attack a moving garden hose, lol.

Other familiar snake-eaters include the North American Kingsnakes (genus Lampropeltis), which have evolved resistance to the venom of many species of viper. Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) and their Central and South American relatives are also frequent snake eaters, and many other species of North American colubrids sometimes dine on each other, including Racers (Coluber constrictor), Coachwhips (genus Masticophis, now sometimes included in the racer genus Coluber), Garter and Ribbon Snakes (genus Thamnophis), and Coral Snakes (genus Micrurus). Among their prey are many of North America's venomous snakes, including the Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), Cottonmouth (or water mocassin, Agkistrodon piscivorus), and many species of rattlesnake (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus), as well as many non-venomous species of snake. Because all snakes are predatory, the existence of snake-eating snakes implies that some snakes are feeding at a very high trophic level indeed, and indeed they may represent top predators in some ecosystems.

Doug

Subject: Nursery & In-Ground Update, Zone 7 Replies: 17
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 337
 
pino,
"Remember seeing that figs were recommended for Zones 8-10. "

pino your in zone 6?

Funny question to ask.
Do they grow for you?

I live in a zone 7b-8a.
My orchard is surviving
well being in ground and no winter protection.
With 73 fig trees and 50 plus varieties, I see no difference
in one variety surviving any different than the other.
Nice work FinleyFigs

Doug

Subject: You have to love Black Jack figs Replies: 21
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 774
 
My Black jack has produced for last 2 years.
It grows golf ball size black very fruity tasting figs.
I will get pictures this year, can't find my old pictures of
where I shared the pics on line before.

Doug

Subject: Venomous Insects and Spiders? Replies: 31
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 359
 
I had rat snakes when I was raising chickens.
The snakes would swallow the egg whole.
Got rid of the chickens, problem solved.
Everyone has a choice, when they actually have to deal with them.

Doug

Subject: Venomous Insects and Spiders? Replies: 31
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 359
 
My place seems like black widow breeding grounds. Anywhere shaded.
I retired from my contractor business in hvac, I have been under hundreds
of homes. I have never been bit in 25 years working, and I feel fortunate.
Dennis reminds me that protection and caution is really important.
I have never done anything to protect myself other than being aware.
After my wife and I seen a baby copper head in our garden we went inside and looked
it up on line.
Yup copper head for sure. I've went back to picking cucumbers but now
I use a hoe to move leaves around.
Black rat snakes will bite too, don't think all black snakes are harmless.

We have seen green snakes in trees, black rat snakes climb trees to rob birds nests.
I've also seen a hawk 3 times with a snake in its grasp flying back into the woods.
Personally, I kill all snakes and black widows I run across. My choice and my preference.
The reason being many poisonous snakes are territorial. If you do not eliminate they just return and your
chance of getting bit again are good. I do not like taking chances I don't have to.
Doug

Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
That is a good size snake.
Might want to bring the shovel along too.

Be careful.

Doug

Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
Glad to hear Dennis.
Swelling usually involves tissue damage, but Im glad you went to see the doc.
Copper head bites rank the highest number each year in SC from what I have been told.
No chance it was a cobra, rattle snake would have put you on your back in minutes, coral snakes
can be found down here but are rare and do not have fangs. Best guess is copper head, many people can survive the bite, its mostly treatred with pain meds. How far apart are the holes?
It can give you a idea of the snakes size.


i just got stung twice by yellow jackets last week, any bees around where you were working?

Just glad your ok.

Doug

Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
Hopefully he is getting medical help.
Tissue damage can get bad the longer you wait.

Doug































Subject: Snake bite today Replies: 83
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,243
 
We had a small copper head in our cucumber/tomato patch.
Reminds us all to be careful.
I hope you get better quick. If swelling starts, I would go to ER.
Wish you the best.
Doug

edit
copper head bites are very painful

Subject: Why bother? Replies: 23
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 539
 
I will not let birds win this year.
Whatever it takes.
Not sure if there is any laws protecting mocking birds in South Carolina.
We have a pair of red tailed hawks that nest in the back of my property every year.
Their youngins do not seem to stick around.
They are welcome birds. An what a sight.

Doug

Subject: My Orchard 2016 Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 522
 
Well, thank you Sissy.
It is all I can do trying to keep up with maintenance.
Shoot me a email this fall, I can come up with a few cuttings.


Doug

Subject: OT - Southeastern Fig Festival - Charlotte, NC Replies: 116
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 4,407
 
Thanks Dennis.
I would love to show up, it all depends how I feel on that day.
Some days I can't bear to go anywhere. Other days if I'm feeling ok, I could make it
for a short visit. I hope it goes well for you this year. I will really try to male it.

Doug

Subject: OT - Southeastern Fig Festival - Charlotte, NC Replies: 116
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 4,407
 
Was asking Dennis but thanks.
I live 45 minutes below rock hill.

Not sure I could make it, or if I am invited.

Doug

Subject: OT - Southeastern Fig Festival - Charlotte, NC Replies: 116
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 4,407
 
approx how far from Rock Hill are you Dennis?

Subject: My Orchard 2016 Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 522
 
Thanks Smyfigs.
I have pushed my body way beyond what I should and I suffer for days afterwards.
It was the end goal that kept me going, and pain meds..
Now that it is done, it will not have to be done again. For that
I am grateful. It's amazing what people do once the fig fever sets in good.
Now I have room and can reach my goal of 100 varieties in the next few years.

Take care
Doug

Subject: Squirrel Repellant? Replies: 3
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 86
 
A ladies leg hose used and filled with blood meal then dipped in ammonia works for weeks.
I made up 30 golf ball size balls and hung around garden.
It does work, but in my case unless I totally eliminated them they would go rob something else.

This worked on deer raccoons and rabbits along with squirrels, the balls need re dipped every month to stay effective.

Doug

Subject: “Black Madeira” from Madeira Island Portugal Replies: 53
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 2,537
 
I had a BM from maderia island too. Was 2 feet tall and growing like crazy.
Then the USDA got mine.
Then they got my wuhan as well.....

Glad yours is doing well.

Nice looking fruit.

Have fun

Doug

Subject: Why bother? Replies: 23
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 539
 
chucklikestofish


your right

I don't just have mocking birds, they nest and raise their young on my place too.
Every year more young mockers.

When it comes to my figs, well, whatever it takes.

Doug

Subject: the gm8 Replies: 17
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 374
 
It came from Jon on ebay sold as GM8.
I have emailed George and was told it would produce a breba crop only.
If I get a main crop, there will be question to it's origin.
Also, the interior was caramel brown color, not amber like Excel.

Doug

Subject: Why bother? Replies: 23
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 539
 
~is mocking birds hard on the figs ,? ~



Yes they peck at ripe ones, just before you get ready to pick them.
You know, you wait till the fig is just ready, then it's too late once they know the
fruit is there.
I've never killed a mocking bird.


Doug

Subject: the gm8 Replies: 17
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 374
 
Thanks Dave, it's just a fig.
I feel lucky there are people like George who shared cuttings with others.
Because of that, I was able to grow it.

Doug

Subject: Why bother? Replies: 23
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 539
 
It does get frustrating with critters always winning.
I like to get deer corn and put it in a bird feeder box (of a sort)
then I wipe out the whole tribe of them squirrels with a .22 air rifle.
They can't resist, and neither can I.
Hunting season for them is all but a few months out of the year.
But I do feed the tree rats as soon as season opens.
I don't know what to do about mocking birds....we have a bunch of
them hanging around.

Doug



Subject: First Smith 2016 Replies: 30
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 657
 
I can't wait for my smith to produce.
Thanks for sharing

Doug

Subject: Happy Fourth of July Replies: 6
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 73
 
Happy 4th all

Doug

Subject: the gm8 Replies: 17
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 374
 
This fig is one I have researched and found no one else displaying so I thought I'd share mine.
This is thought to be a white San Pedro type fig.
 It has no neck at all, sweet but not overly flavorful. Carmel
coloring inside, no seed crunch.
I'm sure it will improve with age.

Well, here she is....

IMG_20160704_143912.jpg 

IMG_20160704_143927.jpg 

IMG_20160704_144003.jpg 

IMG_20160704_144015.jpg 

IMG_20160704_144108.jpg 


IMG_20160704_145151.jpg 

IMG_20160704_145313.jpg 

This is my first fig of the season. What a treat.

Doug


Subject: Starting my preventative rust measures Replies: 27
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 556
 
I intentionally remove leaves from inside the fig tree leaf canopy.
This allows air circulation through out the plant.
Excessive moisture that does not get dried out naturally will
increase the rust problem. I have never sprayed anything for rust.
Leaves will fall off others will grow in to replace them.
I have never had a problem with rust so long as the plant can let air through
freely.

Doug

Subject: My Orchard 2016 Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 522
 
Thanks Chapman, have a great season.

Doug

Subject: My Orchard 2016 Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 522
 
Thanks Frank.
It will be very rewarding as time goes on.
Each year I pick double or more from the last year.
I tasted over 20 varieties last summer, there is way more this year.
I had as much fun as I ever had, when I was able to give away 80 cuttings from it
last winter. That in it's self is rewarding to me.
A few people shared with me at the beginning, offered me cuttings and my fever grew.
Figs and sharing go hand in hand to me. If it was given to me, I feel obligated to share it as well.
I don't appreciate people asking for free cuttings, but I love to share with my friends.
thanks again
Doug

Subject: My Orchard 2016 Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 522
 
Thanks Jerry.
It's nice that once done they take care of  themselves.

Doug

Subject: My Orchard 2016 Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 522
 
Thanks Frank.

Sas, no irrigation needed. We have just went through a bad heat wave.
I hand water new planted trees for a couple weeks.

ricky, I have 73 planted trees.
Last count I had 57 varieties.
My wind generators have been taken down for maintenance, I have just not put them back up.
I have 360 watts of solar panels that charge 8- 6 volt deep cell batteries.
With that I power a fan, 2 tv's one for dvr and home security cameras, lights ect all day, every day.

Akrouus, maybe I could. Many of my fig trees are loaded with figs.

eboone, it seems like I get die back for usually the first two years. They almost always grow back from the base.
Yes, its weedy. You should have seen it a couple days ago! I mulch with grass clippings which helps with weeds too.
I just pull weeds around them, I have not been able to do that yet. Heck, I just got it mowed for the first time this year.
The tree clearing kept me busy for months only being able to work in short spurts.
All my trees that are over 3 years old kept their wood over winter they are loaded with figs. My smaller ones
usually give me a taste at least.

Thanks all
Doug












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