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Subject: Controling ants Replies: 15
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 623
 
Well Charlie I am going to try your formula.  My crop for the year is just about over but I want to get these guys before they burrow down for the winter.  I had a infestation of aphids but neem oil wiped them out in a flash.  Insects are such a hassle.

Subject: Controling ants Replies: 15
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 623
 
Has anyone tired to spray there trees with 2 teaspoons of sugar and a cup of Borax to control ants?  I was reading about this but was concerned it might make the fruit harmful.  All input would be helpful.  

Subject: Scale Aphid's Infestation Replies: 6
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 353
 
Lady bugs would probably do the trick but getting them to stay put might be another issue.  Now using the alcohol is viable.  But that could really get expensive as Russian Vodka would probably have the highest proof on the market.  Drinking what might be left over, you would end up not caring if you got the aphids in the first place (LOL).

Subject: Scale Aphid's Infestation Replies: 6
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 353
 
You can say that again.  They are only 1~2 mm in length.  Really put the optics to a test for resolution.  The image is a stacked image composed of 13 individual frames otherwise you would never get enough depth of feel to get everything in focus.  Mocatta, I went the commercial route and put neet oil on them and thus far most are now dead.  I had to scrape the limbs off and clip some leaves that were infested.  I will keep your remedy in my book so if I get a revisit from the pest I will give it a try too.

Subject: Scale Aphid's Infestation Replies: 6
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 353
 
I shot a real close up picture of these little creatures.  The neem oil did the trick. I might add that I did end up scraping them off the branches.  Will do as others have suggested in a week I will retreat the tree.  Thanks again for everyones help.  Richard scale aphid's.jpg 

Subject: I Now Have A Pest Problem! ! ! Replies: 5
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 300
 
Go on vacation and the whole family moves in!  I will get some neem oil today.   Or I might try the alcohol method if I can't find the neem.  Thanks for the identification of the pest...

Subject: I Now Have A Pest Problem! ! ! Replies: 5
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 300
 
Close examination of my young trees shows that they have become host to a hard structured insect.  They don't seem to move but are tended to by the ants that are shown in the pictures.  What should I spray the tree down with to kill them.

I completely cleaned out the greenhouse and hosed it down with Seven so the ants are history.  It looks as though the ants were taking care of the brood but whatever they are they were completely covering a limb and several leaves.  The pictures illustrate my findings.  All input is welcome. DSC_4360_001.jpg  DSC_4354_001.jpg 

Subject: My Last Unknown Has Finally Put Out Figs Replies: 3
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 292
 
Armando I think your right.  I believe it is a Celeste as well.  I am going to look at Santa Cruz Dark and see if it compares as well.  Thanks for both of your inputs.

Subject: My Last Unknown Has Finally Put Out Figs Replies: 3
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 292
 
Well, this is the last unknown I have.  Hopefully someone can attach a name to it.  The fruit was really sweet and these two figs are the first to ripen on the main crop.  This seems to be a late season producer.  It did not produce a fig until a month ago.  So everyone I welcome your input... DSC_4346.jpg 

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
Hi Waynea, I didn't really mean to make the text so large, but I wasn't looking up at the screen and I was on a time schedule. (LOL)  Richard

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
Well Rafed I think it is a CONADRIA DFIC 005.  The Ischia green is smaller than this fig.  The picture just doesn't do it justice as to how large it really is.  And I think you matched it pretty well.  I have one that will be ripe tomorrow or the next day and I am going to put a ruler to it so the size will be easier to see.  Developed in 1957 this tree has made its way around the country pretty well.  I am glad I planted it in the shady part of my yard since it probably would not do so well with all our heat.  Anyway the lady must have known her stuff about this tree.  Bet she is a member of Figs4Fun too!  Richard

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
Calvin, Conadria is exactly what the lady told me it was.  It came back to me when I read your post.  Wish someone would post a photo of the Conadria so we could compare to those I posted.  Richard

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
We have been getting a lot of rain and I think the trees just sucked up all the water they could take in.  I think over a period of 3 days they increased in size by 20%.  They were so heavy they were about to break off under there own weight.

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
Well, you are exactly right it is very tasty.  My wife could not stand it when she saw me type the reference to the birds, and she said it was ripe and picked it and said it was the best fig she'd ever eaten.  So I will have to wait till another one ripens to put my two cents worth about the taste...

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
AT 62 the old eyeballs need to get some slack, so I will put a dot (big dot) on the calendar and call this one identified.  Next fig that is getting ripe is off of my Black Greek.  That is if the birds don't hone in on it first...

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
Rafed I went out and looked again and I think I need new glasses the leaves are slightly curved upward.  So that is the second hint your on target!

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
My leaves are not curled at all.  Hmm, the lady that sent me the cutting, and she was not sure herself, thought it was a variety that I thought she said was Calerinda.  She was very hard to understand her accent was strong and she talked a hundred miles a hour.  My slow brain and she was in a bad spot on her cell phone and so I did not readdress the name.  richard

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
really sweet I was a good guy and let my wife have the first one.  It tasted better than my Brown Turkey that is for sure!!! LAUGH   

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
I think you may have found it.  My wife just tasted it and said it was real sweet.  It is larger than a ping pong ball.  At anyrate this tree looks like it is going to be a real producer when it gets a couple of years growth.  All my trees are in the ground, and I sure hope that all this cool weather we have been having is not a sign of a bad winter ahead.  We had a pretty hard one last year but I didn't lose any trees.  Thanks for your input on it identification.  Richard

Subject: What kind of fig am I??? Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 642
 
DSC_4314.jpg  DSC_4309.jpg  DSC_4312.jpg

Subject: More Pic's Of My Unknown Replies: 4
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 305
 
Hello Wayena & Christian;

Thanks for the comments.  My wife just took it on herself to eat that fig.  That is the first fig we have ever picked from one of our own trees.  Compared to our neighbors Celeste she said this one was sweeter.  I told her we were lucky when I picked it yesterday a bluejay had its eyes on it and I bet had I waited another day, the birds would have got our fig...  Our other unknown has a huge main crop but I don't think they will be ripe for another month just to look at them.  Richard

Subject: More Pic's Of My Unknown Replies: 4
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 305
 
Here are some additional pics of my unknown everyones input is welcome. DSC_4280_001.jpg  DSC_4277_001.jpg  DSC_4278_001.jpg 

Subject: What is your opinion??? Replies: 10
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 574
 
Hi Dave and Hershell;
I will post a pic of the leaf and the tree tomorrow.  I did not get home before dark so I missed out on getting the pics.  Hershell I have never seen such a big fig, and my wife said she can't wait to eat it!!!   Richard

Subject: What is your opinion??? Replies: 10
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 574
 
Hi Suzi;

I will cut it and post a pic with a leaf this afternoon.  Enigma thanks for your input as well, I never had seen a brown turkey produce so I was in the dark.  This tree was tagged brown turkey at the nursery so I will assume that is the fact of the matter.  My other unknown is loaded with fruit but it is way behind this tree.  It looks like the end of August may get here before the fruit will ripen on that tree.  Richard

Subject: What is your opinion??? Replies: 10
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 574
 
I was told that when I purchased this tree it was a brown turkey.  I did not know a brown turkey produced such a large fruit.  I now question if this is such a variety.  Sure would like all the input as to what type this might be.  It is a ping pong ball size fig.  Thanks for all your input in advance.  Richard DSC_4269.jpg    

Subject: At What Point Do You Give Up On A Tree? Replies: 10
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 510
 
Are you still putting the lime on your trees.  If so are you watching the Ph?  Just wondered your status on the lime.  Richard

Subject: --- PIX: my Paradiso that was Replies: 21
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 777
 
What a bummer. My next door neighbor hates squirrels and has three traps setup all the time to get them out of his pecan trees. to date he has caught 88 of the varmits. I have not seen one in about a month. So the traps from harbor freight are well worth the 29 bucks. Now the birds may be a different issue altogether. Oh I stand corrected he has caught 4 bluejays trying to get to the cracked pecans. So you might want to look into some traps as another thought to getting rid of the scumbags. Richard

Subject: 3rd Year of Lime Treatment Replies: 12
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 727
 
I put 4 oz to a gallon of water and do this every other day for a week.  Can't complain about the results thus far.  Richard

Subject: 3rd Year of Lime Treatment Replies: 12
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 727
 
DSC_4202.jpg

Subject: 3rd Year of Lime Treatment Replies: 12
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 727
 
Suzie, I use to live in Prescott, AZ and I had the same issue with the soil.  I only had one fig tree on a drip system and it did terrible.  In fact I never got a fig off that tree, nor did I know that treatment with lime was what it was lacking.  Here in Arkansas it is quite different, I am looking forward to this years crop.  Hopefully someone can help me identify my unknown fig.  The tree I got the cuttings from produced fruit slightly larger than a golf ball.  I have been monitoring your challenges with all the critters.  Just keep your shotgun loaded let um have it...   Richard

Subject: 3rd Year of Lime Treatment Replies: 12
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 727
 
Paul I would have to agree with that, but you know the miracle grow medium should have been close to a PH of 7.  At least that is what they say on there website regarding Ph.  My in ground soil has not been tested that is something I need to do.  The control group in the greenhouse tells me that the lime is just a favorable medium for growing fig trees.  I also, noted that it helps with the control of insects in the soil.  I have had no issues with keeping the critters out of the soil.  If you do have soild with a Ph above 7, I think you'd benefit adding lime to the water.

Do you treat your soil?  I am always interested in other peoples applications to there soil.   Richard

Subject: 3rd Year of Lime Treatment Replies: 12
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 727
 
Well this is the 3rd year I have treated my in ground fig trees with lime and I have to say it has been quite a success.  I treated a Hardy Chicago and a Black Greek and a unknown and the growth has been fantastic with all producing crops this year.  All trees were started from cuttings (4-8-12) with the unknown now reaching a height of 7 feet.  Followed by the Hardy Chicago at 5 feet 9 inches.  The Black Greek is 39 inches in height.  

The total fruit production is 69 with the Hardy Chicago winning out with 28 figlets thus far.  I might add that the Black Greek did produce some figs last year but none reached maturity.  I have not used anything other than watering with (well water and rain.)  I did not protect the trees during the harsh winter we all experienced and they showed no sign of damage from the cold.

You can look at my previous threads as to the amounts of lime I applied over the past two years.  I have been reading several posts from members who have not gotten any production from there trees.

On a note I might add that I did a control group in my greenhouse.  It was from the same cuttings that I planted outdoors.  After rooting the cuttings, I planted the plants in 3 gallon containers and used miracle grow potting mix for the soil.  I also, treated two trees (Hardy Chicago) with lime and two without.  Only the trees treated with the lime are producing fruit on the new growth.  They did not produce as much fruit as those in the ground but nevertheless they are producing figs.  I continue to water the control group twice a week.  Regarding over winter temperatures in the greenhouse I allowed to it go down to 40 degrees.  I wanted to achieve dormancy but not take a chance on damage to the terminal buds if at all possible.  If you have additional questions I will do my best to answer them.

In closing I suggest some of you that are having issues with getting your trees to produce try a little lime...

Subject: How much cold can cuttings handle in the mailbox? Replies: 12
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 625
 
I did not experiece any unusual results from cuttings that were subjected to 25 degree weather for over a week.  They all woke up fine and dandy.  Getting down in the teens or single digits will be for someone else to answer.  Good luck with your cuttings.  Richard

Subject: Greenhouse figs Replies: 6
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 633
 
Yes I have left 15 of my trees in the greenhouse last summer.  I saw the temp go above 110 many days.  All I had to do was water everyday and they grew like weeds.  One cutting went from 3 inches to 4 feet 10 inches by the end of summer.  I presently have three cuttings in 1 gallon containers and they are doing just fine.  Thus far I have only seen the temp reach 100 degrees.  Just keep them watered.

Subject: weather looks to be back on track. Replies: 5
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 347
 
Summer is here in Arkansas with all the thunderstorms and high winds!  We sure are having a cool spring highs last weekend were in the mid to upper 80's.  Only have one tree, my unknown, that has two figs on it...    But all my tree's are just 1 year old and I did not expect any figs this year.  

Subject: A little OT - my garden this year Replies: 23
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 1,102
 
Joann do you have a problem with birds eating all your tidbits from your garden?  Mockingbirds have taken over in our neighborhood and you can't let a tomato get ripe on the vine.  I tried netting it but that was just to much trouble to deal with.  

Subject: Harbor freight greenhouse Replies: 22
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 3,177
 
A suggestion take you a flat blade screwdriver and put a notch in the center of it.  It makes putting the spring clips in 100% easier.  I  have the 10x12 version and it is strong and very well made.  The directions are not that bad it least I didn't think so.

Subject: Granulated Lime Replies: 12
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 2,058
 
Greg:

I use the pellitized lime from Lowe's for the past two years and it works great.  I try to mix it in with the soil using a rake, my tree's are all planted in the ground and I sprinkle the water to it and it breaks down in about a week.  I have had no problems with it but you do want to make sure that it is not absorbed to fast.  As others have stated.  I have not had a issue but have read on the forum some that suspect they set there tree's back putting fast absorbing powdered lime.  I use to mix it in my miracle grow sprayer and apply it with water, but I don't think I was really making that much difference and applying it this way seems futile.  Good luck 

Subject: Is my Fig tree dead? Replies: 5
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 1,338
 
Mike is right.  They really needed some winter protection.  But Mother Nature works wonders.  As cool of a spring as we have had here in Arkansas, I bet they have not woke up.  Mikes advise is what you should follow. Especially try to protect them from the cold nights you probably are still having.  

I bet you will be surprised...

Richard 

Subject: OT Rooting Western Red Cedar cuttings for my dad Replies: 7
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 719
 
If you get some seeds (cones) be sure to stratify them before placing them in rooting medium.  Wouldn't hurt putting them in the frig for 3 or 4 months.  I am in the process of raising Ozark Chinkapin's from seeds and have been very successful.  They were kept in the frig for 5 months at about 40 degrees.  Then I moved them to zip locks with a wet paper towl into indirect sunlight and a temp of about 65.  Thus far I have 14 seedlings several are 5 inches tall.  So I would try to gather seeds if at all possible.

Subject: Dormant fig wont sprout? dying from the tip down.. Replies: 17
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 932
 
I will place my bet still on to much water.  I don't water till the ground starts to crack, and they seem to like that just fine.  Is your soil sandy or did you prep the area with potting soil or something like that.  Last year I had one fig tree it was a brown turkey and the terminal bud died.  I gave up on it but left it in the ground to just see what happened this spring.  I thought it was dead but the tree woke up this spring and is full of leaves.  So if your terminal bud seems to be dead that does not mean the tree has lost the war...

Subject: I had a fungus gnat factory in my basement! Replies: 2
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 612
 
Jim;
You are by no means the first to encounter the little devils.  After all I have read and checked out on the net, pine bark seems to be the worst about introducing unwanted pests.  I know longer use any type of bark products on my trees period.  I was reading a thread last night about someone having a infestation and it turned out to be pine bark was the culprit.

Luckily I have not experienced to many problems with pest.  I leave the spiders alone and let them feast on the critters that wander around.  I get some strange looks from people going into my greenhouse.  The comments are equally as interesting.  Mind that I keep a watchful eye for Black Widows and they are disposed of.

I hope you have gotten rid of your colony and maybe you will not have to deal with them further.  Talk to you later...

Subject: Why would a fig tree not have brebas? Replies: 10
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 1,001
 
Don't feel bad about your Hardy Chicago.  I have 6 fig trees and one tree is 7 feet tall and all 6 trees have never produced a fig...   My H. Chicago is fully leafed out and has grown about 4 inches thus far.  I say your batting average is pretty good with 2 out of three showing results.

Subject: 1 year has passed test results in Replies: 3
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 552
 
You know I did not think about testing the Ph.  I don't know where my brain has been for the last 12 months.  LOL  I will call our water treatment plant today and see what they are willing to tell me.  Thanks to everyone that responded to my thread.  I will add additional information as it is collected.  Going to see if I can get a Ph tester locally and test my well.

Subject: 1 year has passed test results in Replies: 3
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 552
 
Hello everyone long time no see.  Well I completed my test on my last years cuttings where half were watered with city water and the other half well water.  I will take some pictures tomorrow weather permitting of two of the trees.  Same variety of fig all stored in the greenhouse in 3 gallon containers over the winter.  I maintained temps above 45 F and they received the same amount of direct sunlight each day.  They were watered for 2 minutes every three days.  Those cuttings that were watered with well water are 50% taller than the cuttings that received out city water.  The variety was a Hardy Chicago used a total of 6 cuttings in each control group.  I suspect the minerals and no chemicals are the two big factors.  I also, had no problems with mold on the cuttings that were rooted in ziplock bags and dampened the stock with well water.  I did have to scrub down 2 of the cuttings in one set that was watered with city water.  Just thought I would share this information with everyone.  Catching rainwater for rooting would be the best of both worlds.

Subject: Nature's Gnat Solution Replies: 80
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 4,397
 
Excellent looking Sundews.  You might add that the poor soil is a necessity and water with no more than 50 TDS is required to keep these babies alive.  I have had mine for about 4 years, but I almost lost them last year as a dummy I left them in the greenhouse all winter and they never went dorment.  Another requirement otherwise after two years they tend to burn themselves out.  You sure don't want the grow them along side your fig trees the soil would be just to rich.  I must say Octopusinc has some of the best specimens I have seen.  What extreme diversity you have with your plants.  I just never had much luck with Sundews, but my flytraps and pitcher plants grow like weeds during the summer months.  They can't wait for the ants to start trying to nest in there pots.  Its as good as meals on wheels to these guys.

Subject: Why did I even come back? Replies: 22
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 1,422
 
Ignore those with petty and bad attitudes.  You have sound good input and I personally welcome reading what you have to offer.  I don't have much to say but in this case I join you in your fustrations.  Your always welcome and don't go please.

Subject: My DAD is in the hospital .............UPDATE... UPDATE NUMBER 2 Replies: 49
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 1,812
 

Tony;

May the hand of God reach down from the heavens, and if it be thy will restore your Father to his good health.  May those that minister to him comfort him during the healing process.  And the prayer's of many be a comfort to you and your family.  Amen

Subject: Update on Lime treatment Replies: 54
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 3,742
 
I used a 5% calcium carbonate that I purchased from a local nursery.  I mixed 4oz to 3 gallons of water.  If you can trust these store bought Ph litmus test, it indicated 7.5.  I have sent a sample off to be tested but have not got the results back.  I bought a 5 lb bag for 4.95 and that is enough to do a lot of fig trees.

Subject: Update on Lime treatment Replies: 54
Posted By: rhopkins Views: 3,742
 
I am no expert but there is something happening to the two plants I watered with some lime added.  Leaves are brighter and more erect.  It is full blown summer here and daytime highs are in the 90's and nights dropping down to around 70.  These plants are kept in the greenhouse and get misted every 3 hours for 5 minutes.  This is strictly used to help regulate the high temperatures and raise the humidity to about 70%.  As I stated earlier I used a 50~50 mixture of Pearlite and potting soil.  The cuttings were transferred direct from ziplocks to these plastic container's.  I still have not got the results back from the lab that I sent off for what the Ph is.  I also, have kept them in the shade and close to the floor.  There could be other factors such as the roots developed better on the lime treated plant.  I have tilled up my beds that I plan to transfer these tree's to and added lime to get the Ph on the base side of the curve.  

Attached Images
jpeg limetreated.jpg (187258, 74 views)
jpeg nolimeadded.jpg (203846, 73 views)