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Subject: New Forum Software Replies: 29
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,511
 
Thx for the opportunity, just another example of why this forum works so well.

I like Pete's suggested forum format,(Bushcraft)

I agree with Joann's comments concerning the diversity of topics in one area/section/page

I like the "Who is on line"

I like the Profile part, wish it were mandatory to enter your location when signing up

Currently, deleting PMs is cumbersome, I like a # of listings per page option so that I can view more PM's without changing pages, also a highlight (single or multiple) delete option

Would like to see more posting listings  on each page, 50 or so per page

Artwork size limitation for posting is a challenge for some (profile posting pf art seems to take anything, based on the size of some of the pictures)

Avatar size is currently smallish

This a great forum so please consider the last comment

Last but not least, somethings do not need fixing!

Subject: Dried figs Replies: 7
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,583
 
Greetings to all and I hope all had a good holiday.

To my friends in the Northeast, I hope your life is making progress towards recovery from Sandy.

I happen to love dried figs, and to that, does anyone have any idea or experience with the shelf life of dried figs?

48 deg now 75 forecast for today, figs still leafy (except for Celeste)

Subject: Lost my fig loving dad last night Replies: 68
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 2,233
 
God bless, sorry for your loss

Subject: Propagation Question. air layer Replies: 6
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 452
 
My first propagation was from a cutting taken by cutting the trunk (only one) and both the cutting and the stump flourished.  The decision to cut the trunk came from frustration with the tree not growing.  I cut it and the stump grow three trunks 5+ feet tall and had a bumper crop of figs, all in the same season.  I was prepared to sacrifice the tree  but ended up stimulating it instead.

Subject: Those little pieces Replies: 14
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 966
 
I recently rooted 12 Ventura cuttings that were between 1 and 3 inches, some only had one node.  As an experiment I threw them all into a plastic shoebox with damp chopped Sphag moss.  A real pain to untangle the roots but it worked.

Subject: Blunder Of The Month Replies: 22
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,321
 
Great idea on the inverted cups and lids!!
Don't you just love this place!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: Insects Replies: 15
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 873
 
3 parts water, 1 part Peroxide, 1 teaspoon Dawn, shake well spray plant and soil in pot, daily application for 3 days, works for me

Subject: Danny's Delight Replies: 12
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,819
 
Great work!!
PLEASE count me in for cuttings.

Subject: whats the temp outside right now? Replies: 53
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,622
 
31 here in Marshall, 38 on my patio where all the plants are.  I keep Croton plants scattered around the figs as temp indicators as they are tropical and will show any sign of frost/freeze.

Subject: When to Prune? Replies: 11
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 703
 
I pruned my trees in late February, that was the first time I had pruned them since bringing them from Florida.  They grew 4-6 ft this season.  I will prune again in February again unless we have this weather continue, then I will prune in late January.  Right now my older trees are showing sign of dormancy, younger are showing no sign at all.  Crazy weather.

Subject: HAPPY THANKSGIVING ! .... Replies: 37
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,421
 
Happy Holidays to all and God bless all, especially those defenders and protectors who go in harms way for us.

Subject: Looking for orchard assistance Replies: 19
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 779
 
JoAnn
The majority of the commercial fig production in Texas was based on the Magnolia fig.  The efforts of Dr O' Rouke in Louisiana were directed to improving the figs for not only back yard but also the commercial market.  He thought the Improved Celeste was the best all around fig for both.  Depending on initial harvest reqmts, almost any Celeste or Brown Turkey will produce in 3-4 years, with the LSU Gold being in the same range.  All three are hardy and fairly disease resistant.  There are Peach cultivars that will thrive in Texas but initial harvest would be in 5-6 years minimum, with larger trees reducing that time frame.  Plums and Apricots are also candidates as well.

All said, this is a good discussion with the local County Extension Agent.

Subject: Fall cutting acquisitions in the drawer now! Replies: 18
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,026
 
Sphagnum Moss has natural Iodine, so I'm told

Subject: Dr. Edmund Newton O'Rourke, Jr. Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,109
 
Great tribute from our community to a great man and his work.

Subject: Need Help an ID - Is this Black Mission Fig Replies: 19
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,292
 
Beautiful fig!!

Subject: Thoughts on tissue culture trees Replies: 38
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,833
 
In early July I received two LSU Purple trees grown from Tissue Culture (TC) from a well known Florida Nursery selling on Ebay.  They were exactly as advertised, well packed, and mailed.  There is absolutly no problem with the transaction.

With all that said, I do not think I would buy another TC tree.  Why?  They take too long to grow to a real tree.  In the three months, I have cuttings that have grown to 12" tall, and the TC trees are still 8", which they were when they arrived.  I would consider it for an extremely rare cultivar, if it was the only one available.

I am too impatient, and OLD, to wait for this kind of growth!! Prefer air layer, layer, cuttings.

Subject: To those I have sent cuttings to my cutting protocol Replies: 1
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 517
 
I probably should have put a note in the package but I always cut the top of a cutting on an angle.  I think tip cuttings are self explanatory,  I also make sure that all cuttings have at least three nodes and that I cut them no closer than 1" to the node.  Cuttings from leggy limbs/trunks sometime may only have 2 nodes (I don't have much success with those type cuttings) but sometimes that is all you can do.

Subject: Largest Recorded Fig Replies: 27
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 7,530
 
What about the Chinese fig everyone went GAGA over???

Subject: how do you sell on ebay? Replies: 23
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,224
 
Selling on Ebay is a good way to offset the costs of hobby.  Stick to what you know, and more important, what you have!  I will not sell cuttings to international buyers PERIOD, END OF STATEMENT, bad experiences with cuttings.  I have sold several pieces of Porcelain to international buyers with no problems, but not so good with cuttings.  Do not take anything other than PayPal for payment.  Yes there are expenses for Ebay and Paypal, so what?, its the cost of doing business via the Net.

Good luck,
I am Nippondd on Ebay

Subject: Horizontal cutting propagation? Replies: 8
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 712
 
This is the only method I use.  I use plastic shoeboxes or plastic salad boxes when I can get them.  I use 2" layer of DAMP, CHOPPED Sphag moss in the bottom and cover the cuttings with 1 ".

I cover the boxes and place them in a semi dark place and leave them alone for 10-12 days.  If the cuttings are covered with the moss, the chances of mold are greatly reduced due to the natural Iodine in the moss.  This works for me.

Subject: Family Tree Replies: 10
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 868
 
Do it all the time, That is why locally they call me the fig hunter, I also have a small card that is in Spanish asking if I can have a cutting.

Subject: Old home place find,WHAT IS IT?? Replies: 1
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 467
 
Found this growing on an abandoned home place.  Looks like house is from 1900-1920.  The leaf looks like a fig leaf but the tree doesn't.  It weeps latex like a fig, has multiple trunks with brown/greenish covering, not bark like hardwood fig trunk, closer to greenwood limbs.  I suspect some type of Ficus but not Carica, don't know.

Attached Images
jpeg DSC02225.JPG (168648, 64 views)

Subject: While you are at it...buy a rope and a chair too! Replies: 37
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,156
 
Hope all is well with everyone in the storm's path,

FRANK - you really need to learn to be more forthcoming with your opinions and really need to learn to speak your mind!!    Don't hold back, let 'er loose!!

BTW - I agree!!

Subject: How can I rehabilitate this little fig tree? Replies: 11
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 988
 
This your tree, a gift given in a gesture of love, it doesn't matter what the pedigree is, did it ask for your pedigree?  Brown Turkey is one of the most widely grown figs in this country, maybe the world, and has been a gateway tree to the hobby for many.

I promise you the thrill of eating your first fig off your love tree, will be the best fig you have ever eaten.

All the advice concerning the over watering and the dormancy is good advice.

Subject: Scenic view Replies: 25
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,804
 
Marius,
Thank you for flying the flag.  Beautiful garden.

Subject: Shipping Cuttings Replies: 7
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 633
 
I like to cut the top on the diagonal, length and diameter seems not to matter as long as there are nodes.
It is all about the cuttings, for a VDB or RDB, I'll figure it out and make do, LOL

Subject: Does sphagnum moss have a shelf life? Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,760
 
I put a layer of sm down, spray mist it, another layer, spray mist it and put the cuttings in.  Its really the humidity that does it.

Subject: Does sphagnum moss have a shelf life? Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,760
 
Are you using chopped moss?  I use chopped very dry, damp, not wet, I have never had a cutting get mold.  I do not open the box for 10-12 days, keep them in a semi-dark corner. I never wash the cuttings, they may or may not be wet from soaking, does not matter.  Works the same for greenwood or hardwood.  Other than that, not much else I can tell you.

Subject: Potting mix experiment- Semi-Gritty and Pro-mix combo Replies: 152
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 16,013
 
The information was great one of the best threads, even with the dissenting opinions, which is all part of discussions.  It just seemed to get too tense.  I just think the discussion took a bad turn without reason.

Subject: Potting mix experiment- Semi-Gritty and Pro-mix combo Replies: 152
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 16,013
 
This is a great thread in spite of the bad side!  I'm not sure why the disagreement deteriorated to the unnecessary.  This is a small pond without the need for a "big frog", I would urge all to avoid this type of discussion (the unnecessary) in the future, it can only cause harm.

If you feel the need to get on a stump, start a blog!

Subject: Ways to Ship Cuttings Replies: 18
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 948
 
Great thread!!!!

Subject: Fig price info Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,023
 
Maybe I should restate the question- Would our members please provide me with the prices for the referenced fig trees in your local market?  Guesses are acceptable, we all know about what our local prices are.

Disclaimer- I am not buying these trees, if I made an offer it would be $5.00, one,because I don't need or want them, and secondly, the condition is really bad on all these trees.

I know curiosity killed the cat, I guess this my curiosity is going to get me as well.

Subject: Fig price info Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,023
 
Again, I am not begrudging the profit, I am merely checking the prices, I was not buying or I would have made an offer.  The market drives the price, there is a reason that all other vendors are out of figs and these are still there.  It is a combination of price and condition.

I think to Frank's point, that you are buying time, and that is worth it to some, I like the growing part of it so the time to harvest is not really an issue with me.  I waited 10 years for a stupid fig tree to produce 1fig, it was pretty, in a good spot, and I am glad I waited, it is now a prolific tree.  I hauled that tree from Florida to Texas as it was my first tree.

Subject: Fig price info Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,023
 
  1. BTW- I am a capitalist and believe that a price should reflect value and I do not begrudge anyone making profit. I support market driven trade.

Subject: Fig price info Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,023
 
Stopped by a nursery in Longview Tx today and looked at the current inventory.  Two things of note, how bad the condition of the trees, and the prices.  They had Kadota, LSU Purple, Celeste, Brown Turkey, one labelled "Black Italian".  All except the Black Italian were in three gallon pots and priced at $52.95 with the Italian being in a two gallon and being priced at $27.95.  I think all were second year growth, with no roots showing.  I don't know about prices any where else but I believe these prices are high.  They happen to be the only trees in Longview right now but these were not recently priced to reflect any shortage.  I would really expect these trees to be in the $19.95-$24.95 range, in good condition.

Curious to see how these prices compare to other areas.

Subject: Ways to Ship Cuttings Replies: 18
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 948
 
These are the kind of days that I really appreciate those who process spirits, vintners, brewmeisters, moonshiners, etc

Subject: Ways to Ship Cuttings Replies: 18
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 948
 
Suzi,
All seriousness aside, hand delivered would be just fine, LOL

Subject: Sad news Replies: 36
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,733
 
JR
Words are never enough.  Take heart in knowing you are in our hearts, minds, and prayers.

Subject: Container Volume vs. Tree Size Replies: 32
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 3,459
 
To further complicate the discussion the trade also uses "cheater" pots.  An example is that a 1 gallon pot in a "cheater" is actually 3/4 gal MOL  this started as a mean to save on dirt.  In some cases the cheaters are actually closer to a 1/2 gallon.  It does not matter, the plant will determine the size of the pot needed, do not buy a plant/tree based on pot size, trunk caliber is a much better criteria for buyer value.  There are those sellers that are selling pots and dirt as opposed to size of the plant/tree.  When you see a plant in what appears to be too large of a pot, and it is advertised by pot size, you are being had.

Subject: Warming a Greenhouse... Replies: 15
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 993
 
Youtube has a lot of solar heaters all scavenged parts in some, soda cans, alum. downspouts, etc  looks fairly simple.

Subject: Dr. Ed O'Rourke Replies: 3
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 609
 
Mr. James Fox-Smith editor of Country Roads Magazine sent me an email on10/11/12 providing the information on Dr O'Rourke stating "I am glad to report that Dr O'Rourke is still with us and living (with assistance, I believe) in Lake Charles.  He and Leon Standifer still collaborate on an article for Country Roads each month, although these days, it is safe to say that Leon does the majority of the writing."

Subject: Winter Air Layers Replies: 3
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 499
 
Luke
I am told roots will continue to develop until root area is lower than 45 dg F.  I have just started 3 air layers, I don't know, we'll see.

Where are you located?

Subject: gnats! Replies: 12
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 750
 
JoAnn
I am spraying with a peroxide/water mix, seems to help.

Subject: Dr. Ed O'Rourke Replies: 3
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 609
 
I Did a little digging and found that Dr. O'Rourke is currently in residence (assisted) in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Some of you may already have known this but I didn't.  Dr. O'Rourke and Dr. Standifer still write a regular article for Country Roads magazine

Great Americans, both.

Subject: Bonsai Replies: 5
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 670
 
My wife is currently working on one, a Brunswick was selected for the leaf.

Subject: Free cuttings contest Replies: 141
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 8,080
 
Penn's Scarlett Jubilee

Subject: oh fig whizzes ID please #2 Replies: 7
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 872
 
Not so much, more as an adult, LOL

Subject: oh fig whizzes ID please #2 Replies: 7
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 872
 
Since I am now the proud owner of one of these important fig trees, how long did it take to bear figs?  Since this is so rare, I think we should put it on ebay and maybe retire with the proceeds, LOL

Thx again,

Subject: How figs will save the world Replies: 39
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,544
 
You are obviously a serious potential candidate for office or somewhere else, LOL  You really understand economics of the masses.  Be the first to buy fig derivatives, contact me now for more information, you must have a credit card that has $10000 available credit and a Paypal account You may as well throw your money this direction because once its gone, it really doesn't matter where it went.

Subject: Any issues with planting a fig tree this close to my house? Replies: 23
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 6,567
 
You obviously know the answer and we will not talk you into it, LOL.  There are some measures that the bamboo people use to direct the roots so that they are somewhat controlled.  Figs are somewhat shallow rooters and therefore you can manage them to a certain degree.  You can use dura-rock board shaped in a v to direct the roots away from the footer/foundation but it is a lot of work in digging deep enough for the board and you may still get root intrusion.

I would find another spot.
Good luck