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Subject: You are probably a "fignut" if........ Replies: 72
Posted By: omotm Views: 3,767
 
Alan,

I knew someone back in college who was a homebrew fanatic and named his first son "Porter" for the beer style.

Subject: Figs waking up in garage Replies: 19
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,325
 
Forget about the garage, seems like this Lattarolla outside in a large pot doesn't want to go to sleep either.  Strange since it has been an unusually cold winter here in the Hosuton area.  Plenty of nights with temps below 40F, some close to freezing.

Attached Images
jpeg Lattarolla_dormant_12-28-13.jpg (416154, 23 views)

Subject: Rooting trying to fig! Replies: 2
Posted By: omotm Views: 441
 
Not that uncommon to have rooting cuttings try to make a fig.  As Jon sais, twist or break the baby fig off so the cutting expends energy growing and not making a fig.

Subject: Is it ok to just ask for cuttings? Replies: 27
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,746
 
Aaron4USA,

Sometimes PMs need to stay PMs and not brought out in the public forum.  Just sayin'.  I have nothing more to say.

Subject: starting cuttings - my 2nd year Replies: 22
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,238
 
RichinNJ,

Just a suggestion.  I have my heat mats inside the rubbermaid containers.  I also do not place the temperature controller probe directly in one of the 32 oz deli containers with perlite/potting soil.  The probe is hanging over the wall of the deli container, actually hanging in the space between four deli containers about 2 inches above the heating mat.

I always add this caveat, what works for me may not work for everyone.  If your method is working for you, don't pay attention to anything I have written. : )

Subject: starting cuttings - my 2nd year Replies: 22
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,238
 
More photos to try to help show what I am talking about.

Two photos showing the amount of moisture buildup I get on the RubberMaid container walls for the first few days.  Simply wipe out with paper towels (last photo).  Don't worry, you will not completely dry it out (unless you remove all the containers and I'm not going there) but after a few days less and less water collects on the walls.

Attached Images
jpeg humid_1.jpg (492857, 10 views)
jpeg humid_2.jpg (473492, 11 views)
jpeg less_water_droplets.jpg (413459, 8 views)

Subject: Is it ok to just ask for cuttings? Replies: 27
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,746
 
Also refer to this:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Forum-Decorum-6119026?pid=1276038557#post1276038557


"yes, i think it's okay to ask for fig cuttings no matter how long or how short you have been a member. Isn't that why we are here? Really? If we make friends along the way, all the better. Some of us want to stay and learn more about figs and different things, while others just want to get their figs and run. That's okay. You are still spreading good wood, which is a good thing. Hopefully we can all just learn to let it go. "

There are many places to get cuttings and RUN such as eBay, UC Davis and Encanto Farms when Jon has his cutting sale.  I strongly believe most of the people that are regular visitors here want this to be more than just a site to acquire cuttings.  I'm here to learn and to share.

Subject: starting cuttings - my 2nd year Replies: 22
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,238
 
pino,

I see no reason why this wouldn't work for smaller (14 oz) containers.  I prefer the 32 oz deli containers since it gives me a larger root mass before up potting to 1 gallon nursery pots.  My only comment would be that they are clear so you can observe root growth and decide when to up pot.

Below is my source for 32 oz deli containers.  I have purchased from webstaurantstore.com a few times.  Packing is great, shipping is quick and I have had no issues.  I have re-used the deli containers 3x so far, so the original cost isn't as bad as you think when they can be re-used a few times.  Between uses I sanitize with disinfectant wipes, let dry then rinse with tap water.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/fabri-kal-alur-rd32-32-oz-clear-pet-plastic-round-deli-container-50-pack/999RD32.html

Subject: starting cuttings - my 2nd year Replies: 22
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,238
 
A picture is worth a thousand words.  Here is how I use the bottle caps.

Attached Images
jpeg bottle_cap_1.jpg (409645, 30 views)
jpeg bottle_cap_2.jpg (368232, 29 views)

Subject: Is it ok to just ask for cuttings? Replies: 27
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,746
 
queuetue,

I'll at least give you credit for asking.  Some new members sign up and immediately demand cuttings without asking about proper etiquette.

Just because it is common does not make it right.

Subject: Cuttings Courtesy Replies: 37
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,909
 
Sorry to hear of your bad experience Coop.  Sad to say in my short career on the figgy forum my percentage rate of "thank yous" or "Received your package today" is not what I had hoped for. 

And I was born in the North and always say "thanks", "please", "excuse me" and hold doors open for people.  Last year (my first year doing this) I not only said "thanks" I sent every member that shared with me a Christmas card just so they knew their efforts and kindness were especially appreciated.

Subject: starting cuttings - my 2nd year Replies: 22
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,238
 
Thanks for the nice comments Danny.  A couple of those conainers have your unknown black/purple.....hope they root.  I really liked those figs when you showed me the tree before the Marshall Fig Gig.

lifigs & RichinNJ -

I never had great success with damp paper towels or spagnum moss in Ziploc type bags.  I plunge the cuttings directly into the filled deli containers then drench the containers with water/Gnatrol WDG solution, let completely drain 1-2 hours.  After that heavy watering I only add 2-3 teaspoons of water when needed.  Yup, you read that right.....teaspoons.

My deli containers have ~1/8 inch diameter holes drilled in the bottom and about 1 inch up from the bottom.  The holes in the side of the conatiner are new this year....can't hurt to have more air flow.  And therefore the need for the 2nd deli container.  It keeps any extra water contained and away from the heating mat.  When I say extra I mean maybe 1/4 teaspoon or less.  I put 2 Nestle water bottle tops stacked (open side down) in the bottom of the outside deli container to give the water someplace to go and to allow air flow.

I used to set the mat (inside Rubbermaid container temp) at 75F but have found I can reduce humidity buildup a little if I lower the temp to 73-74F.  That is the current set temp...73F.  Lid stays on all the time, but will come off if I need to wipe off excess condensation from the RubberMaid container walls.  As the containers start to dry out from the initial watering I don't need to wipe down the walls as much.

Attached Images
jpeg deli_container_holes.jpg (733524, 21 views)

Subject: Unlikeable known figs Replies: 28
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,571
 
A few people poo poo Celeste, but it is one of my favorites.

Subject: starting cuttings - my 2nd year Replies: 22
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,238
 
I agree Pete.  I did a modification of sticking it in the ground.  I stuck two cuttings in separate 1 gallon pots with 60/40 perlite/potting mix this past summer here in Houston.  Nada, zilch, goose egg.  Never gonna try that again.

Subject: starting cuttings - my 2nd year Replies: 22
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,238
 
Ready, set, go.  Can't believe this is my second year starting cuttings.  And of course, I have more going this year than last year.  Exact same method I used last year.....32 oz deli containers, 60/40 perlite/potting mix, large Rubber Maid type container with lid, heat mat and temp controller.  One Rubber Maid container has a tray with Root Riot cubes for doubles or triples of what I have started in the deli containers.

Third photo is for Grasa, hope she sees this post.  She likes my orderly, well mannered figs.  All in a nice line. : )

Attached Images
jpeg cuttings_1_-_2013.jpg (493593, 88 views)
jpeg cuttings_2_-_2013.jpg (309604, 90 views)
jpeg cuttings_3_-_2013.jpg (674166, 88 views)
jpeg cuttings_4_-_2013.jpg (589025, 82 views)

Subject: Aaron4USA - Salce photo for you Replies: 8
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,014
 
I would have to agree with everyone that it is a very nice looking fig.  Didn't know what I was getting when I got the little figlet from Bill last fall, but I am very happy with it.  So happy I am getting three more cuttings from Bill this year.  It is my first fig that I definitley want more of because of its unique flavor.  I'd rank it a 9 out of 10, maybe 9.5 out of 10.

The taste is unusual, but don't go by my limited fig tasting experience, maybe other figs have the same flavor profile.  Mario describes it as carmel and I describe it as carmelized sugar.  Two different flavors in my opinion.  When I think of carmel I think of Kraft carmels (the little cubes we used to make carmel apples from).  I describe the flavor as sugar you put in a pan/pot with a little water then heat until it starts to carmelize (brown).

In my environment the tree uses the least amount of water of all my fig trees in pots.  I have noted that it is also a slow grower.

Subject: Aaron4USA - Salce photo for you Replies: 8
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,014
 
Aaron4USA,

The fig in my avatar is Mario's Salce.  This past summer was my first year with a Salce tree in a 3 gallon pot.  I have also included some additonal photos of the eye and cut in half.

Attached Images
jpeg Salce_8-22-13_normal_size.jpg (384628, 123 views)
jpeg Salce_eye_8-22-13.jpg (98377, 122 views)
jpeg Salce_fig_8-22-13.jpg (105820, 122 views)
jpeg Salce_fig_halves_8-22-13.jpg (117353, 120 views)

Subject: Member introduction Replies: 23
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,034
 
Welcome and enjoy!

Subject: Turning Point toward a happy spring and summer Replies: 11
Posted By: omotm Views: 769
 
After reading this post I don't feel so bad, nor abnormal.  It has been only 2 or 3 years that I look forward to Dec 21 knowing that the days are now getting longer. : )  Maybe this happened about the same time I started to hate cold and snow!

Subject: Santa's List 2013 Replies: 48
Posted By: omotm Views: 2,459
 
I would like the variety of fig that causes your yard to increase 10x to give you more room for more figs.

Subject: Let's give BLB (Barry) a big dose of holiday cheer Replies: 46
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,173
 

Feel better soon!  We miss you here.

Subject: The Alma Sisters Get A Haircut, You Get the Clippings Replies: 46
Posted By: omotm Views: 2,054
 
Wow, that's a nice, big beautiful tree.  How old is she?

Subject: DiRedo Tree Auction benefitting the Foundation Replies: 15
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,102
 
I like Gorgi's answer, but prefer larger denominations.  Therfore I bid 250 quarters.

Subject: Heating Mat for Propagating Cuttings Replies: 51
Posted By: omotm Views: 2,895
 
Interesting comments.  I use a heat source under the starting cuttings in deli containers, but really more to keep the temperature in the rubber maid type container ~75F rather than to provide a bottom heat source.

Subject: Mrs. Toshiko Otsuka’s Fig Orchard in Japan Replies: 33
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,721
 
Wonder how you calibrate a fig?  She probably means "sizes".

Subject: Brunswick Harvest in December. Replies: 8
Posted By: omotm Views: 878
 
Dang, I'm keeping my little guy now too.

Subject: DiRedo Tree Auction benefitting the Foundation Replies: 15
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,102
 
Can't resist a split, crack, decay resistant fig with small eye here in Houston.  ; )

I bid $37.50

Subject: DiRedo Tree Auction benefitting the Foundation Replies: 15
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,102
 
30 quatloos.  Ooops, sorry, 30 dollars.

Subject: Something you never get tired of seeing Replies: 7
Posted By: omotm Views: 537
 
Absolutely a great sight to see.  I've decided to wait to start my cuttings between Christmas and New Year's this year.  I'm getting anxious to see fig roots and little leaves emerging.

Subject: Clone Machine Replies: 8
Posted By: omotm Views: 988
 
Jim,

As long as you give the person a bath in DipnGrow, clones are guaranteed!!

Subject: DiRedo Tree Auction benefitting the Foundation Replies: 15
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,102
 
Jon,

Being of California descent, does it need the fig wasp?

Subject: Is it too early to start rooting cuttings? Replies: 18
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,166
 
As long as you can provide some sort of natural or artificial lighting you should be fine.  I started cuttings last year over Thanksgiving and those started getting a little big for the house and definitely needed an extra source of light.  I also started cuttings over Christmas and those were easier to manage, size wise and light I could provide (pole light with screw in grow bulb). 

You also need to take into account what part of the country you are in.  Here in Houston I think my little figlets went outside in March.  Those of you further north need to take into account the longer time you need to provide lighting and to put up with figlets in your living area. : )

Subject: Found some dried figs at my Walmart tonight. Replies: 7
Posted By: omotm Views: 611
 
Thanks for the heads up.  I've had Turkish figs from Nuts.com and they were surprisingly good.  Hopefully these are just as good.

Subject: ascpete - check your PM Replies: 0
Posted By: omotm Views: 336
 
Pete,

Sent you a PM, check your inbox.

Subject: Figs 4 Fun Foundation. Replies: 31
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,230
 
An early Christmas present for Jon, nice!

Subject: How often should I water my fig trees while they are dormant? Replies: 11
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,092
 
And I kinda have the opposite problem.  Here in Houston the trees in pots do go dormant, but it doesn't get so cold here that I feel the need to bring them in.  I will cover with an old sheet some favorites in ground and potted trees if near freezing temps or below are predicted.  Bottom line is, they are left out to get all the rain that falls over winter.  This is my first year with fig trees, so I guess I'll see come spring if there are any ill effects.

Subject: OT: what's your favorite drink? Replies: 40
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,447
 
A nice malty cup of Assam tea for me please.

Subject: My Spin On SWP Replies: 38
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,807
 
I agree with James, I'm no SWC expert, but I don't understand how this is going to work.

Subject: Heating Mat for Propagating Cuttings Replies: 51
Posted By: omotm Views: 2,895
 
I use a flexible plastic film with embedded wires (used to keep 5 gallon fermenters warm during fermentation) under my deli containers and in a closed Rubbermaid type container.  I control temperature with a temperature controller.  This provides a source of bottom heat along with keeping the temperature inside the container at ~75F.  As with most things figgy, do what works for you.

Subject: more cold weather coming Replies: 9
Posted By: omotm Views: 564
 
If I were you James I'd be leaving Monday!

Subject: Has anyone ever used GoGnats? Replies: 5
Posted By: omotm Views: 649
 
This doesn't directly answer your question but I have used a pyrethrin spray for the flying buggers and WD Gnatrol for watering.

Attached Images
jpeg photo_(3).JPG (450302, 5 views)
jpeg Gnatrol_WDG.jpg (93686, 5 views)

Subject: Mario's Fig Tree Cuttings Available Replies: 39
Posted By: omotm Views: 3,172
 
Bill,

E-mail sent.  Glad to see you posting again.  Was wondering what had happened to you.

Subject: Cutting a cutting? Now w/photo Replies: 23
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,410
 
Ong,

The cutting was started directly in a perlite/potting soil mix.  The part you see was in the "air".  As other pointed out at the time i posted this, the air roots probably formed from a very humid environment.  Note that there is a lot of mold present on the tip which indicates a very wet environment.  In the end I saw a node starting a leaf near the soil line.  I cut off the top removing the moldy part and this turned out to be a very healthy tree which gave me 3 or 4 figs this summer.

Subject: Cutting a cutting? Now w/photo Replies: 23
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,410
 
Not that uncommon to see.  Leave it alone, the air roots will dry and fall off.  Larger cutting means more stored energy to support growth = greater chance of success.  Sometimes we get to greedy and end up losing both. : (

Attached Images
jpeg Nemesis_1.jpg (308179, 44 views)

Subject: The New Mexico "Fig Man" Replies: 14
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,160
 
re. susie

yea, Dalton doesn't answer his e-mail at Durio Nursery.  Do I "screw him"? NO, I call and speak to someone person to person.  Imagine that in this day and age..........talking to a person.

Subject: Easy to make embossed plant tags. Replies: 29
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,575
 
or cutting up your fingers cutting strips from aluminum soda cans.

Subject: Thanksgiving day pics. w/figs Replies: 21
Posted By: omotm Views: 976
 
Art,

Belated Happy TG!  Great pics, well at least the ones without snow.  Can't say that I miss it, maybe in a few years after I haven't seen snow in awhile.  What is the fig, 2nd from last?  Is it LSU Tiger?

Subject: Winters first causalities Replies: 6
Posted By: omotm Views: 548
 
Dirty, low down, good for nothing, yellow bellied vermin........

Subject: Will the real Scotts yellow please stand up? Replies: 13
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,076
 
The key word here is "officially".  Technicially, LSU Scott's Black, while being a LSU fig, has not been "officially" released by LSU but will soon be in the future.  Don't know, maybe LSU Scott's Yellow is just urban legend.

Subject: Anyone have Maltese falcon for $5000? Replies: 7
Posted By: omotm Views: 1,057
 
Way underpriced.  I'll take a wild guess and say it goes for the $100,000 to 200,000 range.