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Subject: My Orchard 2016 Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 522
 
This as been a 5 year project in the making.
The 2 pictures just show a view from 
each end of my orchard.
There used to be 15 plus trees I removed from the one end
of the orchard that only blocked sun, and now gives me room to expand.

IMG_20160701_122515.jpg 

IMG_20160701_122648.jpg 

Doug

Subject: Best Time of Year For Acquiring Cuttings Replies: 7
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 369
 
Last year I took cuttings as soon as all leaves dropped.
Different time of year for different locations.
in South Carolina is usually Nov-Dec.

Doug

Subject: OT Carolina Reaper Replies: 42
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,664
 
I have a bag full of Carolina reapers from last years plant.
Too hot to enjoy, but a few peppers boiled in water then strained will produce
a spray that seems to keep critters and deer away. I'm saving the seeds out of them
as I paid $7 for 10 seeds. I do have plenty extra seeds if anybody would like a trade
or credit for cuttings in the fall. If interested shoot me a pm.

Doug

Subject: New Cuttings Replies: 6
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 278
 
They will "air prune" themselves. The roots will dry out above ground.

Doug

Subject: Leaves dropped problem Replies: 8
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 195
 
The excessive heat without rain for 2 weeks has a couple of my varieties with quite a few yellow
leaves. So long as you have good drainage, over watering should not be the problem.
We just got rain, so I expect full recovery. It's good, the ones with yellowing are still holding on to their figs. Good luck.

Doug

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
Pathetic?
Do figs even grow in zone 5?

Have a good day any way. Do not need drama.

Doug

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
I asked the proper person.
If you do not like his choice, sorry bout yer luck.

I know your bored and need to be heard.
It's not going to change anything.

have a good day.

Doug

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
I was given background on the GM8, I will go with that information and
characteristics of the fruit to give it a name.
I will let you know. In time.

Doug

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
Yes I got the ok from George.

Doug

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
Well, it's official.
The GM8 will be receiving a new name.
To be posted soon.

Doug

Subject: Help w/ in-ground Green Ischia Replies: 5
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 143
 
mulch?
The figs I have in ground need mulch to help hold moisture.


Doug

Subject: Lots of extra cuttings Replies: 33
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,111
 
I hope you do not mind me replying.
No drama, just explaining the confusion.


Doug

I am done talking on this subject.

Subject: Lots of extra cuttings Replies: 33
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,111
 
Hobo not that you know anything about it but all my private messages and contacts all got deleted by the site admin then I got locked out of my own account.
I do not want a account there or my picture there, but wills refuses to remove anything. So it looks like I have a account. but I have no control over it.
I guess he needs the head count.

Me contacting you was not the deal.
As soon as you got the cuttings you said you was going to do the trial later.
Not at all what I asked for when I gave out the cuttings.
No reason for me to contact you.

So you got 5 trees for $6 shipping, your welcome.

Doug

Subject: Lots of extra cuttings Replies: 33
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,111
 
Hobo I sent you 10 cuttings last november when I was running a test on the 3 cup method at the other forum. I sent you the best of what I have hoping you would get trees just for cost of shipping.
Never heard back about the 3 cup or how it did for you.
Now you have extra cuttings to sell? I sent you a KB  along with others wrapped in saran wrap.
I do not think Suzi was all wrong.
Lesson learned.

Doug

Subject: Maltese Falcon GM-5 picS Replies: 17
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 550
 
It does look good.
Interesting shape and interior.
Looks packed full of flavor!

Doug

Subject: Productive MBVS Replies: 20
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 630
 
mine last year was probably the best producer.
It had figs from top to bottom.
Its been in ground 3 years now.
Sweet and mild berry flavor, was one of my favorites.

Doug

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
There is no reason for name change other than boring.
Why do other GM# have names?
I wrote George. he can decide.
Thanks any  way. It's no big deal at all.

Doug

I'm just a grower that will pass it around to my friends anyway.
Not looking for a scam to make money.

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
Well I got Jon's ok on naming it.
George you out there?
Can I get your permission to name it?
If I don't hear back, I will name it after it has produced its breba
and I can share full description of it. GM8 will always be part of its name.
That way we will all know where it originated from.

thanks George for sharing these GM# plants.

Doug

Subject: Maltese Falcon GM-5 picS Replies: 17
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 550
 
How did the Gm5 get another name? Who named it?
Just curious.
Thanks

Doug

Subject: Fig suppliers from China Replies: 4
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 296
 
Without special permits, I can not buy from china or ship to china.
Check ebay for cuttings or trees in your area.


Doug

Subject: Where have all the flowers gone? Replies: 32
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,014
 
Those looking only to make money off figs, take the fun out of figs for me.
Those looking only for free cuttings take the fun out of figs for me.
Those that think they have a answer for every question take the fun out of reading about figs.
Many people have rotated through this forum, it will always be that way.
Some people stick around only to try to help others with their figs, without anything to gain from it.
I will stay in the last group. just in the back ground.

Doug

Subject: What pH is your fig tree? Replies: 28
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 3,194
 
My orchard soil ranges from 5.0 to 6.5 ph.
I have my orchard on a slope and fine dirt has washed down the hill side
for who knows how many years. So I have about 2 feet of good dark soil with red clay
underneath.
I learned years ago that figs seem to like slightly acidic soil so I haven't added lime in years.
I take a couple cups of soil, add water to mix then let dirt settle out.
I use a ph test strip and test that water. It gives me a good idea of my soil ph.

So I put the blueberries in the 5.0ph soil and figs in the 6.0ph and up.
Figs are very adaptable in many kinds of soils and ph does not seem to be a factor
I worry about much any more.

Doug

Subject: How many trees Replies: 12
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 377
 
I have 73 in ground figs, I have always let them grow in bush form but
I try to only keep 3 main tree trunks on each tree.
It lets those 3 stalks get all the nutrients. Works well.

Doug

Subject: Where have all the flowers gone? Replies: 32
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 1,014
 
I made a un called for comment to dkirtexas long time ago.
I have cronic pain issues that tend to me saying stuff out of place.
I speak my mind, when sometimes I should keep it to myself.

I just want to publicly apologize ti dkirtexas and any others I have offended.

Peace
out

Doug

Subject: Can I plant now, 5/31/16 Replies: 10
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 260
 
The deeper you can get your roots to grow, the more hardy it will be to survive winter.
Those in colder climates with roots just below the surface will kill their plants due to roots freezing easily.

Doug

Subject: Can I plant now, 5/31/16 Replies: 10
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 260
 
I simply would not plant a fig in ground if it does not drain.
Clay will form a swimming pool under the surface whether mounded or not. That will drown roots.
I've done it with a peach tree and a few figs.
We have lots of red clay in South Carolina, If I do not enlarge the hole(to spread out the drainage)
and add material to the clay to help drainage, it will have a rough time surviving. The deeper
you dig the hole and mix in good stuff the better. This is just what I have learned by experience.
I respect whatever anybody else says trying to help this person, I am only trying to help as well.
Clay is just not easy to work with, and get decent results. I would not get too upset if it drops
its figs after transplanting, it's quite common.

Good luck, wish you great success.

Doug

P.s 
I do have 73 in ground figs,, most all started from cuttings.

Subject: Can I plant now, 5/31/16 Replies: 10
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 260
 
Mounding around a tree allows the rain run off to run around the tree, how is that a advantage?

I want the water where the roots get wet.
Although a mound does develop over time with decomposing mulch.
Just curious

Doug.

Subject: Can I plant now, 5/31/16 Replies: 10
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 260
 
If your hole takes that long to drain, I would look for a new spot.
Figs need good drainage.
I add a tablespoon of bone meal mixed in with the dirt in the hole.
Make sure you mulch it right away.
Straw works fine for the first season.
I would not pinch anything, stunting growth will not help it adjust to its new home.
Make sure you shade it to start, or like I do, dust it with 7 dust.
It keeps the leaves from sun burning,
deer wont eat it, wild bunnies leave em alone too.
I only use the dust for the first month of being transplanted.
If all you have is clay,, I would dig the hole twice the size you need and add compost, and good soil to hole
and mix it all in, then plant.
New figs need watered every other day here in SC. I just put 10 in the ground last week and they are thriving.

Good luck, you should be fine.
Doug

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
Your right,, enough confusion already.

Doug


edit
The more I think about it.... if it hast been spread around then the confusion should be non existent.
If you do not have it you wont be confused with 2 names on it.
As I remember back when Jon was tagging the GM numbers it was only a temporary name assignment.
The man to ask is Jon I'll see what he thinks.
thanks anyway.

Subject: GM8 Breba Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 356
 
Hey everybody, I have a GM8 that is producing breba crop this year.
Anybody else have any experience with this variant?

Am I allowed to name it after documenting color/texture/flavor?

Does anyone have a problem with me doing this?

This is a cutting originating from Jon on ebay.

Here is what they look like at this stage


IMG_20160529_160309.jpg 

IMG_20160529_160247.jpg 

I hope everybody has a great growing season.
We are picking yellow squash, lettuce, radishes, plums galore and my peaches only have a few days to go.
I've been busy over the last 8 months clearing the rest of my land where I can
double the size of my orchard. Busy, busy.

Ya all take care

Doug

Subject: Doh! Replies: 5
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 206
 
I found that air circulation through out the tree helps prevent rust.
I remove leaves that restrict air movement to allow good circulation.
I have never had to spray for rust and rarely run into it.
The few leaves I remove near the stalk has never caused a issue either.
Just something to consider.

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Smyfigs, I used a rockwool cube in the net cup.

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
I am learning as I go, with the rest of you.
Reading on line 68 degrees seems to be the optimal temp for oxygen retention
in the water. I was running before at 77-80 degrees and I think I cooked em.
After dropping the water temp and wrapping the sides of the cloner with
insulation (thin foam sheets) it holds water temps steady.
My cloner holds 12-13 gallon and I installed a 50 watt aquarium heater.
I have a digital tester to monitor water temps. I had a couple fresh (a few cuttings sitting in the crisper drawer for a year) and added those. 2 have rooted in 2 weeks and have been transplanted
into cups.
Next I will add a big air stone for extra oxygen in the water,
I also have 3 varieties of tomatoes growing in the cloner and they seem quite happy.

One revision that I made to the sprayer heads is used dremel with a cut off wheel to angle the top of the slot at
a upwards angle. now they spray up and out instead of just straight out.
It works better.

I also use Superthrive, but not at their recommended amount, just for trace minerals.
This is a new learning process and I am sure having fun at it.
Take care all

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Oldoneeye, that is 2 Plumeria  plants.
Cuttings came from Hawaii.
They are 2 years old. Gonna attempt to make it flower this winter.
Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
After 3 days in cloner I have white bumps on a fresh rdb cutting.
Hard to believe, my wife didn't.
I had to pull the cup to prove it!
I now have 35 cuttings in the cloner. Filled to the max.
My pump uses 16.7 watts, how cheap is that going to be to run?
Pure excitement here. No more dirt rooting for me.
Let alone I can clone my seedless grapes ect.
I can think of all kinds of ways to use this contraption.

Thanks for the tip Dennis, I will set it up on my phone calendar.
Still, no leaks, drips or any sign of escaping water....ya I'm happy.

Happy New year!

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Dennis, could you help me with how much hydrogen peroxide I should use for about 4- 5 gal of water?
And how often? I think you have one of the same size containers I used.
I need to get on a schedule.
Sorry if this has already been answered, I need specifics.   :)


I guess I run the light over my cuttings for the warmth and as soon as a bud breaks it starts absorbing the light,
And because I have other plants I'm trying to keep growing through winter.
Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
I use lights for the simple purpose of making a plant think its summertime with long daylight hours.
The plant will grow vigorously until spring, and I plant the tree in ground in march.

Here are figs that were dormant 2-3 weeks ago. They had no leaves. But with long daylight hours the plant will grow just like it does with long hours of sunlight during summer.

Here are the same dormant (was) figs.


IMG_20151231_125344.jpg 

Have fun
Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
It's been running more than 24 hours, not a drip not a drop.
It's going to be a good day.
Happy new year!

Doug

Subject: OT- Super flooding in the Carolinas! Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 235
 
Your welcome, just trying to help.

Doug

Subject: OT- Super flooding in the Carolinas! Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 235
 
Alan, what you are saying is misleading to anybody with a crawl space.
I have built, maintained and was a hvac contractor for years. I have been under hundreds of houses in SC. 70-80% have crawl spaces.
The fact is, crawl spaces are meant for air circulation in warmer months to
keep wood from condensation. Crawl spaces are where many furnaces are located.
Crawl spaces many times have the well pump and pressure tank there as well.
Crawl spaces have nothing to do with preventing flooding.
Trailers have a crawl space, do they not flood?
How many homes in NC or SC that are flooded right now also have crawl spaces?

Only your elevation, drainage of your property (whether man made drainage or natural slope drainage)
will prevent flooding.
A crawl space is not flood insurance, trust me.
Not a argument, just facts.
Have fun

Doug

Subject: OT- Super flooding in the Carolinas! Replies: 16
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 235
 
Crawl spaces do not prevent flooding, but it does raise the house off the ground.
When water rises above the crawl space it will be inside the house too.
I can stand upright under one end of my house but it tapers up to 2+ feet off the ground.
We are getting hammered down here in Chester SC too.
Everybody take care and bunker down!

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
snaglpus,
Did you try cutting the slot in the bolt?
That is what gives the chips a place to go for cutting threads.
Thanks for all your information.

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
I was unsure what tap to buy and I'm cheap.
I found a bolt with the same diameter and threads matched up
so I took a dremel and cut a slot in the bolt then tapered the tip.
I drilled my holes a bit small and put the bolt in my cordless drill.
A bit of pressure and it started cutting threads just perfect.
All the screw in heads fit nice and tight.
Hope it helps some one.

IMG_20151230_153814.jpg 

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
I put the weatherstripping on the lid so it will seal right at the top inner edge of the tub.
The weather stripping will go nicely around corners if you remove the protective paper to
stick it down.



Thanks Andrew, that is what I will do.
After running 4 hours last night I turned it off.
Started it up this morning and will keep a eye on it today.
I'm starting to trust that no unknown problems will show up.
Thanks again.
Doug

I also used zip ties at all the holes around the sealing edge. just snugged em up as a reassurance
nothing can move.

I drilled a hole in the top of my back side of my bucket for my wire, then cut a slit with a hacksaw.
Twisted the plastic to get cord in hole and sealed cut and around cord with hot glue. Its waterproof, and convenient.

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Thanks Blue but my system is very tiny compared to those going off grid completely.
It is a start, and it really helps.

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Ok got ya.
My mesh cups I ordered come with the foam collars.
I think I will be all set then.
Thanks Blue

Doug

edit, Blue, I already have 360 watts of solar panel's for the house and I charge 8 - 6v golf cart batteries, and 45 watts of solar panels for my 12x20 barn .
We run the 2 tv's, stereo, xbox, dvr and surveillance cameras all day and night.
My electric bill for a all electric 4 bed room house has been less than $70 for the last 4 months.
It can super easy handle 20 watts from the pump. My LED I built is 200 watt 24,000 lumen and uses 188 watts.
I will be finishing a 150 watt led grow light soon using 2-50 watt warm white chips and 1 cool white 50 watt LED chip.
That should help cut power usage a wee bit more. Free power is killer, after the initial cost to set it up..

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Does it hurt the cuttings to turn these cloners off a couple hours?
Can I leave it off just at night while I sleep??
I'm learning to trust my machine, but I'm not quite there yet. :)
No problems so far....but anything "can" happen.


Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Thanks guys.

Hey Matt, I used vinyl foam weatherseal.
3/8" wide x 3/16" thick x 17 feet long.
Cost $1.99 at local hardware.

Doug

Blue, you mention neoprene collars ?
Uh, I have not got that. I will look into it.

Thanks Snaglpus.

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
 Well, I'm up and running.
The weather stripping sealed up the lid perfect.
Added a drain petcock, no leaks anywhere.
Can't even hear it running, you have to feel the lid to feel water spraying underneath.

IMG_20151229_234445.jpg 



pump wire.JPG 

I made my own root cups by cutting down a larger cup and hot glue back together.
Used Styrofoam plugs cut same size as the holes.
I have the right cups coming from a supplier but this gets me running now.

Thanks for all the information in this thread everyone.

Doug

Subject: Clone your cuttings & never see gnats! Replies: 400
Posted By: SCfigFanatic Views: 9,298
 
Hi Andy.
I just bought self sticking door weatherstripping.
I'm going to install it in the lid groove.
I also bought 10 wing nuts and washers with 1/4-20 bolts.
They will be used to put equal pressure on weatherstripping.
that should seal up my box.
I'll test it today with no holes cut in the squares.
Thanks for the advice.

Doug