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Subject: Need advice: Ebay, replacements, and dead cuttings. Replies: 21
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 533
 
Levar, I have been selling pawpaw trees on ebay and etsy for a while, now. Everyone has always been happy with the trees until last year. I had a guy buy a pair of trees, I had to wait to ship because of the weather, and I mention in my listing that the shipping can be delayed due to weather, and I let the guy know. Anyway, when he got the trees he was unhappy with them, he complained about the size of the trees, the size of the pots, he said I lied about the age of the trees, and he said they were almost dead. He wanted his money back. My listing states that I do not refund money on trees. But, I told him that if he packaged the trees as well as he received them, and shipped them back, with the same insurance they were sent to him with, that I would refund the money that he paid for the trees. He didn't want to do that - he wanted to keep the trees and get his money back. I refused. But he gave me a bad rating on ebay. My rating had been perfect before. You just can't make some people happy. Even if you refund the person's money or send they new cuttings they could still give you a bad rating. I have been growing figs from cuttings on ebay for years - I never even thought about asking for my money back if the cuttings failed. Cuttings are always riskey and the buyer should know that.

Subject: Pawpaws up North? Replies: 28
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 586
 
Asimina triloba, I am interested in the native pawpaws you are talking about. I recently read the new book on pawpaws and the author mentions that the trees you are talking about were probably selected and planted by Native Americans. They would have been selected for early ripening and flavor. Jerry Lehman, here in Indiana has been doing some work with pawpaw and has shown that they improve with each generation, so your native trees should be really good. Much better than random wild colonies. If you get some seeds from your native Ontario's I would love to buy a few seeds from you. I have been growing pawpaw from seed for a few years and really enjoy it. I expect to get some fruit from them in the next couple of years, and I  would love to add some native Ontario pawpaws to my collection.

Subject: Honeyberry YES or NO? Replies: 26
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 614
 
I have been trying to grow honey berries for the last several years in south central Indiana. They don't seem to mind the cold winters but they struggle in the heat of summer. I have 2 left out of the 6 I bought 3 years ago and they haven't bloomed for me yet. I don't recommend them for this far south - zone 6.

Subject: Growing Grape cuttings Replies: 7
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 181
 
Pino, do you start the cuttings in sun, partial sun, or shade? Do you cover them with a jar or anything while they are rooting? When are you starting them?

Subject: Rodent Protection Replies: 11
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 329
 
If you use moth balls you should put them in little plastic containers with holes drilled into the sides so that the moisture doesn't cause them to dissolve. Plant skyd makes a product that you can sprinkle around plants but I don't know how well it works and it is kind of expensive.

Subject: cuttings -wrong variety received over purchase. . Replies: 43
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 985
 
Maznah, it is unfortunate that you feel that you got the wrong cuttings but I know the seller through dealings and reputation, and I am sure that if there was an error made it was not on purpose. The tone of your last comment is rude and uncalled for.

Subject: Pawpaw Replies: 98
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 10,190
 
Charles, were they still dormant when you dug them up? How early in the spring was it? Please let us know how they do over the winter. The problem that I always have had with bare root pawpaws was that they seemed to die over the winter after looking good spring, summer, and fall.

Subject: Pawpaw Replies: 98
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 10,190
 
Thanks, Charles! That is really great to hear. I might try to dig up some this spring.

Subject: Pawpaw Replies: 98
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 10,190
 
 Pawpaws spread by suckers and they are difficult to transplant. I have heard of people doing it but I wonder if the trees are still alive the following spring. I have several large groves in the forest behind my house that never fruit - I think they are all just suckers from the original tree. If you have large fruit on a wild tree, and good clusters, I would mark the stems incase you want to go back and collect some scion wood this winter for grafting. You can also save the seed from good fruit and store it in the fridge until spring.

Subject: OT: Paw Paw Varities Replies: 19
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,759
 
Jerry Lehman's work with pawpaw shows that they improve generationally. He is getting some really huge fruit with excellent flavor. Also, as to planting pawpaws - I have repotted pawpaws of all ages with 100% success as long as they have been in a pot. But, they don't do well at all if bought bare root in the spring. My experience with bare root pawpaws is that they do ok in the spring, summer, and fall, but die sometime over the winter.

Subject: Gain ebay reputation Replies: 18
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 808
 
I just sell a few things every once in a while. Had a perfect rating until a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes there are people that you just can't please. I sold a couple of pawpaws and the guy complained about several different things with the trees, one was the size but they were larger than the picture. I offered to let him return them but he didn't want to do that either. I think he wanted to keep the plants and get a refund. Anyway, he gave me a bad rating - hopefully my positive ratings will make up for it.

Subject: MBVS vs Ginos Bl observations Replies: 14
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,000
 
Greg, have you had any problem with mice or voles chewing on your trees under their wrappings over the winter?

Subject: Pawpaw Replies: 98
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 10,190
 
Ken, I was told that all of the Peterson pawpaws are from a Overleese/Sunflower cross. I bought several of them as bare root plants several years ago but ended up losing all except Susquahanna and Allegany. I will never buy bare root pawpaws again but I have actually had very good luck with small potted plants as long as I get them planted. I really like some of the genetics of Cliff's special pawpaw seed and I have some in the fridge waiting to be planted. I think they may produce even better plants than the Peterson pawpaws. I highly recommend them.

Subject: Pawpaw Replies: 98
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 10,190
 
I haven't actually grafted any pawpaw yet. My seedlings are from selected trees and I expect them to be very good. Pawpaws improve with each generation from selected stock. Cliff England (England's Nursery and Orchard) sells pawpaw scion wood but he won't have anymore until winter of 15/16. As far as grafting goes, I don't know any reason why you can't graft several varieties onto the same tree. I don't know why the rootstock would over grow the scions - you would just have to keep the rootstock cut back.

Subject: Pawpaw Replies: 98
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 10,190
 
I have some about the same age, Ken, but they have always been in pots and are only a fraction of the size yours are.

Subject: Pawpaw Replies: 98
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 10,190
 
They are beautiful, Ken! How old are they?

Subject: OT: Paw Paw trees Replies: 28
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,033
 
Cliff England sells pawpaw scion wood and has a lot of varieties but he is sold out until winter of 2015/2016. He sells Maria's Joy but I don't think he has any of the Peterson Pawpaws like Shenandoah. He has some really promising seed, too. Pawpaws improve with each generation of selective breeding so you can get some awesome trees from really good seed.

Subject: Your Top 5 pick for cool climate pot/container Fig Cultivators ? Replies: 47
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 2,223
 
I used to know a man many years ago, that grew a fig against his stone house in Indianapolis, zone 5. I wasn't interested in figs at the time so I don't really remember much about it - don't know where he got it or if it bore fruit. I just remember how excited he was that it had lived through the winter.

Subject: Peter's Honey and Black Jack Pics Replies: 24
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,261
 
I love Peter's Honey. Mine does very well in my hoop house all summer. The temps reach well over 100 degrees and it loves it. The figs do indeed taste like honey!

Subject: OT: Mysterious 'Pawpaw' Fruit in High Demand Across Japan Replies: 24
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,219
 
I am aware of a couple of people that are breeding and improving pawpaws. They seem to improve with each generation of selected breeding. Jerry Lehman, here in Indiana is doing a lot of work with them and coming up with some amazing fruit. Also, Cliff England in KY is working with them. And then there is Kentucky State University, they are doing a lot with them, too. And Neal Peterson, of the Peterson pawpaws is continuing his work. Cliff told me last week that he has sold a ton of scion wood this season, already, and a lot of it went to Korea. I am growing them from selected seed each year and this year I was able to get some really interesting hand pollinated seed. For those of you with named varieties, I hope you are saving your seed. With both parents named and selected for their good qualities, the seeds will produce fruit as good as, or better than the parents.

Subject: Gnats: when to call it an emergency? Replies: 28
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 789
 
If you put a few drops of soap - like safer or Dr. Bronners - in a gallon jug of water that you water your plants with the soap will kill the larvae and problem solved. We have always done this in my family.

Subject: Attn Ebay sellers and bidders Replies: 26
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,757
 
People have been selling figs by the wrong name on ebay for as long as I have been growing figs. When I first started there were only a few sellers, now there are many. I was burned for $80 before I found this forum. The seller sent very nice fig cuttings but they did all look like the same variety and there were supposed to be several different ones. Then I found this forum and found out the seller was on the "fraud list". Who knows what he sent? But I gave him a good rating because at the time, before I found this forum, the product seemed good. By the time you realize that it is the wrong fig it is too late to give any kind of rating for the transaction.

Subject: Attn Ebay sellers and bidders Replies: 26
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,757
 
I like to sell a few fig cuttings and plants on ebay from time to time. I always include my figs4fun id so that people can see that I have been involved with figs for a while. Hope your warning doesn't scare people away from the small time sellers that are selling good product but don't have the big ebay fig following.

Subject: Building another pit greenhouse Replies: 36
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,719
 

RichinNJ - great idea!

James - I really like the idea of using above ground pools. So much to think about...

Subject: Building another pit greenhouse Replies: 36
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,719
 

What I read was about tilapia and I remember thinking that the temp. requirements would be difficult. I think I also read that catfish could be raised at a cooler temp. What are you useing for tanks? I had thought about stock tanks like for watering live stock but I think they are pretty expensive. (Thanks for all the info....)

Subject: Building another pit greenhouse Replies: 36
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,719
 
Thanks, James! That gives me a lot to think about. Don't know if I'm up to digging that trench but maybe - Good soil here and no clay for at least 2 feet. I wanted to set up a small lean-to green house just for seedlings this spring but I may completely change my plans. What kind of fish are you raising (if you don't mind my asking....)?

Subject: Building another pit greenhouse Replies: 36
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,719
 
James, I would like to know how you keep them heated in the cold weather. Also, I can't really tell how deep the trench is. I am in zone 6, too. I have a simple 12x25 hoop house and half of it has a double layer of plastic. With the double layer of plastic it doesn't need much heat - just a simple space heater that cycles on and off. I would love to see pictures of your other greenhouses, sometime. I have looked at some info on aquaponics but the heating issue just seemed to expensive...

Subject: softwood cuttings Replies: 13
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 892
 
I leave 2 or 3 leaves on but cut off 2/3 of the leaf with scissors. I root them in pots with 3/4 perlite and 1/4 seed starting mix, then cover with a wide mouth quart canning jar. I don't use root hormone powder but I water with a weak solution of Hormex and water. Works well.

Subject: Moist soil but shriveling wood above it? Replies: 14
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 519
 
I have had this happen many times and have heard it referred to as "sudden fig death". There seem to be many causes: To wet, to dry, Temp change, feeding cuttings, Compost given to cuttings, and often there doesn't seem to be any reason at all. I use about 80 - 90% perlite with the remainder seed starting mix. I have greatly reduced my incidence of "sudden fig death" by using a very small amount of Hormex in the water that I use to water the cuttings. But I don't use it until the cuttings have good root growth. I also don't give my cuttings any food of any kind until they are well established.

Subject: Figs in Indiana Replies: 17
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 814
 
Actually, Nick, you should be in zone 6.

Subject: Figs in Indiana Replies: 17
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 814
 
Hi, Nick. I'm 20 min. north east of Bloomington. Marsailles Black vs should be hardy here. I don't have any in ground yet and not sure how they would have done this winter. There is a Bread and Roses farm near you. Do you know it?

Subject: OT - Banana Plant Veinte Cohol - Taste? Will it really fruit in 1 season? Replies: 14
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,707
 
I used to work with a woman, here in southern Indiana, that told me that she had grown bananas for years. She told me that she would plant them out in the garden once the weather warmed, they would grow and fruit, then in the fall she dug them up and stored them in the basement just like you would store a canna lily. She said the bananas were very good. I have been trying it, but one way or another I have killed them over the winter the last 2 years. I'll try again this year...

Subject: Encanto Farms Fig Cuttings 2014 Replies: 577
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 30,740
 
Last year my home computer wasn't working so I wasn't able to order figs. I didn't know about a donation to the f4f fondation receiving priority. Is that for real or are you kidding? So,then,do people that donate $100 get priority over people that donate $20? Sounds a little like extortion...

Subject: OT Rooting Pomegranate Cuttings Replies: 14
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 861
 
I have tried to root my pom as soft wood cuttings in early summer with no success. So, is now the right time, then?

Subject: Fig Propagation - simple steps to increase rooting and rooted cutting success rates Replies: 17
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 2,265
 
I use 90% perlite with 10% seed starting mix. It is so light it is pretty easy to guess how moist it is and the water tends to run through really well. I also lost a lot of well rooted cuttings after taking them out of the humidity chamber. I have heard it called "sudden fig death". I only water once every 5 or 6 weeks, if that, when they are in the humidity box. When I do water I now use a product called Hormex, very dilute, in the water. It has almost completely stopped the "sudden fig death". I have also been told that feeding the cuttings can cause it, and compost can cause it. Something about the CO2 in the medium. When I up pot into gallon pots I continue to use a lot of perlite and then with each up pot I decrease it. But I always add a lot of perlite with anything that needs to drain well.

Subject: bye bye green house Replies: 14
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 872
 
Not sure what kind of greenhouse you have, but I used to have a small wooden greenhouse that I covered with builders plastic each year. I would pull the plastic up from the back, across the top, and then down the front, pull it under the frame in the front and back and pile soil over the plastic ends. On the sides I put heavy duty duct tape over the plastic and then stapled it to the wooden frame with 1/2 in staples. The sides were pulled under and soil piled onto them, too. It ripped one year from wind but the plastic was old and weak when I bought it. The hoop house that I have now is larger and the 2x4 frame is nailed into the earth with 2ft rebar every 3ft. The plastic is put on about the same. I don't have any problems with the wind but maybe your wind is worse...

Subject: Rooting Method you will be Wowing about... Replies: 20
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,265
 
Aaron4usa, you might consider adding perlite to the miracle grow mix you bought.

Subject: I saw this on ebay and I just had to ask..... Replies: 19
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 925
 
You really can't trust the ratings for seeds because the buyer is only rating what he received in the mail. By the time he trys to grow the plant it is probably to late to rate it so he isn't going to know if it is even going to sprout when he gets it. They may be fig seeds out of a fig newton cookie that are 10 years old. Thats not to say there aren't good seeds on ebay, I buy seeds on ebay, I'm just saying you can't trust the ratings for fig seed.

Subject: scale attack. Replies: 29
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,244
 
Oh, and Pete, I'd go with vodka.

Subject: scale attack. Replies: 29
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,244
 

I think spraying the whole plant with pure alcohol could kill the plant...

Subject: scale attack. Replies: 29
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,244
 
When treating scale I've had the best luck spraying with a mix of rubbing alcohol and water. Gets them all the first spray and kills the eggs. Works much better than soap. I don't remember the exact amount of alcohol to water but I learned about it on the forum. They always seem to come back with soap - sometimes I won't see one for months but finally they come back. Not with the alcohol and water, though.

Subject: Another packrat attack on the figs Replies: 11
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 924
 

Ingevald, I have a terrible time with voles here. They tunnel down next to a tree and eat ALL the roots. Sometimes they even sever the tree in two before you even know they are there. They are even worse in my hoophouse because they feel safe in there and they destroyed a lot of trees last year before I was able to get everything high enough off the ground. This year they have even been on my benches - can't figure out how they are climbing up there. Traps haven't worked at all for me. Just today I put out some ZP poison. I have been trying hard not to use but I just can't keep feeding them my trees...

Subject: Greenhouse heater Replies: 9
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 810
 
I used an electric heater like Jon described and ran an extension cord from the garage 50 ft. Don't really remember the electric bill going up much. ( I used a second heater when temps went into the teens and below.) My greenhouse was 7x8. It worked great.

Subject: Cuttings in Cups.....losing some weekly...What am I doing Wrong...??? Replies: 61
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 2,903
 
Well, Armando, eveybody has different ideas about the best way to root cuttings. I have lost plenty after they appear to be well rooted and I have heard it refered to as sudden fig death. The humidity is important and I use plastic totes like a lot of people. I use 85 or 90 percent perlite and the rest a peat based seed starting mix. I also use a very dilute solution of Hormex when I water. I have learned that they do not like temp. changes when they are young and I wait until they are growing really well before I put them outside. I lost almost all my cuttings the year that I tried to use a little compost in my starting mix and it was explained to me that the bacteria in the compost produce co2 which destroys the roots. I feel like plant food tends to do the same so I don't use it until the cuttings are older. Don't give up - you will figure out what works for you. So many people warn not to overwater and then I found that I tended to underwater. If you use a lot of perlite the weight of the pot will help you figure that out. Even when I pot my cuttings into larger pots I use a lot of perlite - maybe 50 percent. Once they are a year old or so I will start feeding them and maybe put a little compost on the top of the soil.

Subject: Santa's List 2013 Replies: 48
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 2,459
 
Alan, tried to send you a pm but your box is full.

Subject: Santa's List 2013 Replies: 48
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 2,459
 
Ottawan, I have found Rottweilers to be the answer to raccoons...

As for my Santa's wish list...it is hard to narrow down to one, but I guess it would be St. Rita because of all the wonderful things that I have read about it. And I also like the story that goes along with it.

Subject: 2013 Figs Rated 8 or better in a bad year Replies: 30
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,643
 
Dennis, I think it is Pane Vino instead of Pan Vito. Jon had a typo on his list a while back and I asked him about it. Bass found the original tree behind an abandoned restaurant.

Subject: Easy to make embossed plant tags. Replies: 29
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,575
 
GabeE2407, I really like your idea with the cans. The wire from tags often seems to damage the branch it is on but the piece of can, being wider, wouldn't. I'm going to try it! Thanks!

Subject: Off topic? - Olives Replies: 24
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 1,207
 
I am growing Arbequina in a pot in zone 6. I have also read that they need good light but cool temps in winter to flower. I am able to put mine in my hoophouse that gets down to 40 degrees when it is cold - just above freezing. But, an unheated enclosed porch or even an unheated room with a window might work.

Subject: Shipping to Bali Replies: 6
Posted By: possum_trot Views: 522
 
Thanks, Pete. I wondered about that.