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Subject: Sweet Diana Unknown Cuttings for Postage 2015 - - 12/18/15 4:30pm EST All Gone! Replies: 26
Posted By: smatthew Views: 434
 
Cuttings arrived today! Thanks.

Subject: UC Davis Cutting delivery STARTED !!! wohoooooo. Replies: 105
Posted By: smatthew Views: 4,660
 
Hopefully, for 2017 cutting distribution CRFG and/or NAFEX will have figured out an ordering system. No guarantees. 

Subject: Distance between containers-consensus? Replies: 15
Posted By: smatthew Views: 314
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnyq627
One issue I discovered this year with keeping my pots close together, was that it created insect heavy areas.  The trees that were crowded had much worse problems with SWD and rust than those that had good airflow.


Yeah, I've always called that the "Nursery Effect". Having the trees close together allows us to grow more in less space, but it creates the perfect environment for pests.

For example: I grow blackberries. In the field they're spaced 3'x8' and the had little to no insect damage. In the nursery, they're in 1G airpots with basically no spacing - and I had horrible problems with grasshoppers. 

Subject: Sweet Diana Unknown Cuttings for Postage 2015 - - 12/18/15 4:30pm EST All Gone! Replies: 26
Posted By: smatthew Views: 434
 
Count me in! PM sent.

Subject: Amazing Point Loma SD Unknown Find! Replies: 103
Posted By: smatthew Views: 2,155
 
oh wow looks amazing. Count me in for cuttings!

Subject: RDB cuttings Replies: 36
Posted By: smatthew Views: 833
 
doh! if any more cuttings show up - put me down for a pack.

Subject: How much fertigation is too much? Replies: 15
Posted By: smatthew Views: 303
 
As a reference: My young figs (i.e. <1yr old) live in a flood and drain hydroponic setup. The solution they are watered with has an EC of 2.2. And they love it.  some calculations tell me that what you are feeding your plants has an EC around 0.9.  So you're definitely safe.

If you're worried about salt build up - here's a quick tip. Any time you fertilize, you want to put enough solution on the plant that 10-15% runs out the bottom. So if you fed 1 Liter, you should find 100-150ml in the drip tray. That will eliminate salt buildup.

Subject: Supplimenting Coco/pearlite mix Replies: 7
Posted By: smatthew Views: 163
 
1/4t of Foliage Pro / Gallon is their recommendation for a "Maintenance" dose. You could use that every time you water.

Subject: Supplimenting Coco/pearlite mix Replies: 7
Posted By: smatthew Views: 163
 
I wouldn't use fish emulsion inside. Fish emulsion has a lovely odor that is best appreciated outside.  For inside, I like Dyna-Gro Foliage Pro. Don't use much of it though. 

Subject: Coco coir source Replies: 18
Posted By: smatthew Views: 781
 
Or there's always LI Hydro - "New York Metro Area's Largest Hydroponic Garden Store" 

3104 Express Drive South. Islandia, NY, 11749

They should have all the coir you need. And don't hesitate to ask for a discount. I get a %20 discount at my hydro store everyday.

Subject: Dog house. Me or the figs? Replies: 23
Posted By: smatthew Views: 236
 
Hah. Your photo reminds me of my dining room. Every winter I take over the dining room window with my Cacao trees. I think guests have begun to expect the dining room to be bursting with something green!

PS: When wifey asks about Thanksgiving, tell her you're thankful for her tolerance to your fig addiction.

Subject: Shipping Fig Cuttings Into California Replies: 8
Posted By: smatthew Views: 269
 
The CDFA rep you spoke to was mis-interpreting the guidelines.  There are very clear exemptions to the Burrowing Nematode Exclusion Order.  You can read the whole thing here. 

http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/pqm/manual/htm/315.htm

The exemptions is as follows:

c. The shipment consists of only unrooted plant cuttings, provided that the cuttings were taken from that portion of the plant which is growing at least 12 inches above ground level and were protected from contamination until shipped.


Subject: Fresh Carini cuttings available for purchase Replies: 36
Posted By: smatthew Views: 1,037
 
Thanks - PM Sent

Subject: Sister Madeline's Fig Trees Replies: 32
Posted By: smatthew Views: 631
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie
Quote:
Originally Posted by smatthew
Is it too early to put my name down for a package of cuttings? *grin*


No, but you need a shipping address other than in California. :)

Priority will be given to those who have given me cuttings in the past, if they want some, then I will make a post if there are extra's.


Charlie - there are no restrictions for shipping fig cuttings from anywhere in the US to California. I'm not sure who started that rumor, but it's not true.

Subject: Sister Madeline's Fig Trees Replies: 32
Posted By: smatthew Views: 631
 
Is it too early to put my name down for a package of cuttings? *grin*

Subject: Are those Black Madeira cuttings in good conditions? Replies: 17
Posted By: smatthew Views: 381
 
A quick check looks like USDA APHIS has offices in Puerto Rico.

Quote:
Originally Posted by brianm
If he was in US they would.

Subject: Are those Black Madeira cuttings in good conditions? Replies: 17
Posted By: smatthew Views: 381
 
Correct me if i'm wrong, but won't a USDA rep be showing up to confiscate these cuttings?

Subject: $2 cuttings, 19 varieties Replies: 132
Posted By: smatthew Views: 4,335
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenFin
Earlier today I emailed the California Department of Food and Agriculture and received written confirmation that I can start shipping to California.

So now I can take orders from Californians :)


Excellent.... so I get a 10% commission on all california orders, right? *grin* just kidding.  Glad that got figured out.

It was interesting - when I called them the lady I spoke with initially thought there would be restrictions based upon state of origin, but when she checked into it, she realized there were no such restrictions. Score one for CA Figgers!

Subject: $2 cuttings, 19 varieties Replies: 132
Posted By: smatthew Views: 4,335
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenFin
Quote:
Originally Posted by brianm
Why no shipping to CA?

California has very strict import restrictions and puts a lot of money and effort into enforcing them, so it's not worth the hassle/risk/expense to me.


FYI - I spoke with a representative at the California Department of Food and Agriculture regarding shipping fig cuttings into California and here is the reply:

Quote:

Hello Scott-
To follow up our phone conversation, shipping fig cuttings into CA have no additional requirements.  If they are being mailed, please make sure the outside of the box indicates the type of plant material and from where.  They may be inspected for live pests and potentially rejected (destroyed) if any are found.
 
Thank you for checking with us!

Subject: Weird fig(s)? Replies: 16
Posted By: smatthew Views: 376
 
Looks like fig balls to me!

Subject: Annual Wish-List of 6 most desirable cuttings for 2015-16 Replies: 90
Posted By: smatthew Views: 3,909
 
My apologies for the length of the list. Caprifigs don't count, right? I've tasted all the figs i want....... so I'm fairly sure I want them.
My Wish List:

Non-Persistent Caprifigs:
Roeding #3 (Early) DFIC133
Stanford (Middle) DFIC134
Milco (Late) DFIC129

Normal Figs
Beall DFIC27
Emalyn’s Purple
Italian 376
DFIC0023 DFIC23
CdDG
CdDN DFIC344
CdDB
Black Madeira
Fico Pesci de oro
Smith
Pastileere DFIC47
Sierra
Genovese Nero

Subject: UC Davis USDA Replies: 7
Posted By: smatthew Views: 505
 
Don't worry, everybody will get that email. If you want cuttings, you'll need to get them through  California Rare Fruit Growers.

Subject: OT - Tankless water heaters Replies: 29
Posted By: smatthew Views: 932
 
I installed a tankless heater a few years ago and love it! Significant savings on the gas bill. The Bosch model that I have does not allow the use of a recirculating pump though.

Subject: UC Davis cuttings Replies: 11
Posted By: smatthew Views: 684
 
I'm sure John Preece will have more details at the fig tasting on the 22nd...... I'll report back.

Subject: Keeping figs in public storage? Replies: 31
Posted By: smatthew Views: 1,154
 
Yeah, extra space storage doesn't actually allow you to store anything in your unit.....  if you read the fine print almost everything is forbidden

Subject: UC Davis cuttings Replies: 11
Posted By: smatthew Views: 684
 
You will at some point receive a rejection email, unless you are a researcher at a university or non-profit.

Subject: UC Davis cuttings Replies: 11
Posted By: smatthew Views: 684
 
Actually it hasn't been answered dozens of times - it's changed for this year.  You'll need to join California Rare Fruit Growers. They will be coordinating a mass order from the UC Davis NCGR sometime this winter. Orders from individuals will not be fulfilled.

If you're in Northern California, August 22nd from 10 am - 1pm is the Fig and Grape Tasting at USDA-ARS-NCGR-Davis-Wolfskill_Experimental_Orchard. It's a good opportunity to try the figs out (although it is a caprified environment) to know what you want to request.

Subject: UCD Fig Tasting Replies: 4
Posted By: smatthew Views: 334
 
To the best of my knowledge, you just show up.

Subject: UCD Fig Tasting Replies: 4
Posted By: smatthew Views: 334
 
Ok - here's the announcement you've all been waiting for. UC Davis / Wolfskill Experimental Orchard will be having a fig and grape tasting on August 22nd, starting at 10AM. 

I'm planning on being there - who else is?

Subject: Visting UCD, Questions Replies: 3
Posted By: smatthew Views: 221
 
Don't they do a field day in August? Or is it later in the year?

Subject: Calcuim and potassium Nitrate Replies: 10
Posted By: smatthew Views: 412
 
As long as you're willing to buy a 50lb bag - check out places like Ewing or John Deer Landscape. Wherever the landscapers go for irrigation supplies. They should have Calcium Nitrate at a reasonable price.

Subject: California Drought Replies: 44
Posted By: smatthew Views: 1,352
 
Tim you said "people who inherit water rights did not earn that water". I beg to differ. A person can inherit property that includes water rights, but unless they continue to farm and maintain their claim, they will lose those rights. So yes, they've earned that water by their hard labor, and by the hard labor of those who have been farming that land for the last hundred years.

PS: Almonds may take a gallon per nut, but they're still the most water efficient protein source out there.... Even soybeans take more water than almonds.

Subject: Visiting Wolfskill - when and how? Replies: 2
Posted By: smatthew Views: 255
 
Message has been sent. Crossing my fingers and hoping that I get a reply.

Subject: Visiting Wolfskill - when and how? Replies: 2
Posted By: smatthew Views: 255
 

I would love to go visit the Wolfskill experimental fruit orchards in Winters, CA, but I have two questions:
1) When would be a good time to visit?
2) How do you arrange a visit? I looked on the Wolfskill website and the only contact information I could find was for Katherine Pope. I emailed her, but received no response.

Subject: Bare-Rooting / Repotting a Fig Tree (video) Replies: 14
Posted By: smatthew Views: 776
 
It's my understanding that when using an ebb&flow table occasional top watering is required to flush accumulated salts out. I just saw a diagram showing EC values in containers under different water schemes - a lot of fertilizer builds up in the top bit of soil. Trying to find it again....

Subject: Got few cuttings today . Replies: 4
Posted By: smatthew Views: 317
 
Bass has a good tutorial on his website:
http://www.treesofjoy.com/content/rooting-softwood-fig-cuttings


Short answer: Cut all but one leaf off. Cut that leaf in half. Use rooting hormone. Well drained compost will work. Cover with a plastic bag to keep humidity high.

Subject: Bare-Rooting / Repotting a Fig Tree (video) Replies: 14
Posted By: smatthew Views: 776
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by james

I am planning on setting up an ebb and flow hydroponic system to water/feed the trees.  The AirPots will go into a slightly larger container that will fill up with water from the water then drain out.


I just set up a couple ebb&flow tables - works perfectly for plants in shorter containers. Tops dry out, so I end up top-watering once or twice a week. Occasional top-watering also helps make sure salts don't accumulate in the top of the pots.

I can't think of a better way to water AirPots.

Subject: www.LosAngelesFigForest.com Replies: 59
Posted By: smatthew Views: 2,609
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC

One area where I see small agricultural/nursery activities conducted in SoCal is under in easements for large electrical towers where construction is not possible.  Some are used for parkways but not all locations are suitable for those purposes.


Unfortunately Figs are on the list of trees not acceptable under power lines ;-{ 

Subject: Fig Fans NorCal Get-Together Replies: 27
Posted By: smatthew Views: 980
 
I'll be there!

Subject: Cuttings Replies: 6
Posted By: smatthew Views: 450
 
That certainly is a pretty looking fig.

Subject: Too late to transplant an old container fig into garden? Replies: 8
Posted By: smatthew Views: 317
 
No amendments in the hole!  You want those roots to get into native soil asap.

Subject: Too late to transplant an old container fig into garden? Replies: 8
Posted By: smatthew Views: 317
 
Nope, not too late. Containerized plants can be planted at any time the soil is workable.

Subject: 8 varieties for trade Replies: 5
Posted By: smatthew Views: 775
 
Interested in trading for a plant? I've got osborne prolific, white texas everbearing, filacciano, and zumwalt in 1L Air-pots.

PS: Love auto-correct. It changed "white texas everbearing" into "white texas overbearing"

Subject: Magnolia? At Walmart . Replies: 22
Posted By: smatthew Views: 653
 
geez, i might have to go to walmart and look for figs! Those are almost definitely from agristarts - right down the road from them!

Subject: OT - Sea berries Excellence Replies: 5
Posted By: smatthew Views: 400
 
I've considered growing them here in northern california.  They sound interesting....

Subject: root initials 3 days Replies: 8
Posted By: smatthew Views: 478
 
Are you sure those are root initials? Looks to me like swollen lenticels. 

Subject: Daconil ( fungicide ) Replies: 1
Posted By: smatthew Views: 257
 
First, Daconil is not listed for figs.

If you're worried, use a dilute bleach solution (1:10 dilution) to wash the cuttings.

Subject: Free cuttings! Replies: 48
Posted By: smatthew Views: 3,906
 
I labeled them Allen1, Allen2, Allen3, and Allen4 ;-}

Subject: Anyone else preorder the "Rare Fig Assortment " from Baker Creek? Replies: 50
Posted By: smatthew Views: 2,777
 
If it's from agristarts it's an LSU purple.

Subject: Safe Indoor Fertilizer? Replies: 9
Posted By: smatthew Views: 344
 
I love Dyna-Gro Foliage Pro. All the micros, even includes calcium.