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Subject: 95% if not all fig tree died in Queens NY. Disaster Replies: 102
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 4,987
 
I definitely have a prejudice against kerosene heaters. I remember houses burning down from these. Are they much safer than they used to be? No amount of figs trump safety.

Subject: 95% if not all fig tree died in Queens NY. Disaster Replies: 102
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 4,987
 
Earlier in the year I thought I fared better. But that appears not to be he case. I wanted to give an update so as not to mislead anyone.

In grounds

Celeste - dead; Negronne - dead; Black Mission - dead, VDB - lost most of it, growing from the bottom; Panachee - cut back four feet of die back, just saw a bud today at about two feet from ground, Italian Red - growing ok, but suffering a bit, Atreano - doing very well, Hardy Chicago - lost eight feet of die back, now growing from bottom.


Pots - in unheated attached garage

25 gallons - most did well, lost a Wuhan and Black Madeira

5 gallons - lost 90% of everything

1 Gallon - lost everything

Going to concentrate on 25 gallons and cut way back this year.

Subject: Blow-away (flexible plastic) greenhouses Replies: 13
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 928
 
I had one very similar. They need to be tied down or weighted down. Mine blew over more times than I could count. I could not honestly recommend them.

Subject: Still no sign of breaking dormancy in zone 7 Replies: 48
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,705
 
Only signs of in ground life for me on Long Island are some buds on Atreano shoots from last year that are still green. Nothing from old wood yet on other trees.

Potted trees doing fine.

Subject: what's better than Black Madeira? Replies: 66
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 3,420
 
My two year in-ground Hardy Chicago was far superior to my four year old in pot Black Madeira.

Subject: Figs are fighters! Replies: 6
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 671
 
Good luck. Don't let the Sandman get them!

Subject: OT: Artichokes Replies: 30
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,048
 
Frank,

I agree about the flowers. I was buying figs from and old Italian gentleman. He ate the artichoke greens but not the artichokes. He let them blossom. Gorgeous flower and the scent was hypnotic. I can still smell it. He sold me fig trees but would not sell me his artichokes.

Subject: OT: Artichokes Replies: 30
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,048
 
I do not like artichokes but the perfume from the flower is outstanding and very unique.

Subject: Freeze Warning in North East NJ Tuesday and Wednesday Replies: 56
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,610
 
I had an Atreano air layer in ground. Six feet tall with about ten leaves. Wrapped in burlap and piled with hay. I unwrapped to get some sun. It lost all it's leaves overnight. Wrapped it in insulation tonight. I think I will be ok, ends looked fine.

Subject: Freeze Warning in North East NJ Tuesday and Wednesday Replies: 56
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,610
 
I just checked everything outside. Everything looks fine. The burlap I wrapped around the cages was filled with ice but the plants within are green.

Subject: Olympian Replies: 139
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 9,882
 
I purchased one from Wellspring. My dog used it as floss. Only three half leaves left. It has survived over two weeks and terminal bud seems to still be growing. One tough plant.

Subject: Heading to Italy Replies: 25
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 908
 
Your customs declaration form will specifically ask whether you are in possession of agricultural goods.

Subject: Number one fig for 2013 was: Replies: 37
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,675
 

In Ground - Hardy Chicago (hands down winner)

Pot - Black Madeira

Subject: Freeze Warning in North East NJ Tuesday and Wednesday Replies: 56
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,610
 
Kelby,

That chart is very helpful. I am growing apples and Asian pears for the first time. Never knew there were nine stages of development. Thanks again,

Steve

Subject: Freeze Warning in North East NJ Tuesday and Wednesday Replies: 56
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,610
 
I wrapped the newbies in burlap and straw. I had tomato cages at the ready and created little tepees, using zip ties to attach burlap to tomato cage. . I have insulation around but want the plants to breathe so I did not use. Looks like it will be between 30-34 for about two hours over next two days and then it quickly gets to 40.

Attached Images
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Subject: Freeze Warning in North East NJ Tuesday and Wednesday Replies: 56
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,610
 
I am putting tomato cages around my newly planted figs. I will fill with straw and wrap in plastic. Pots will come in and bigger in grounds fend for themselves. Lowest temps (around freezing) are between 5:00 and 7:00 am. So not a prolonged chill.

Subject: More In Ground trees in Long Island Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 451
 
Some. Antreano, VDB and Panache were wrapped. Others around the house, near the foundation were not. All survived relatively intact. I had posted pictures of everything about a month ago.

Subject: More In Ground trees in Long Island Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 451
 
I have two Black Madeira in pots but no back up Preto. Hoping for best. The in grounds produce so much better and I have so many pots all over the place. My wife is happy and I am happy to create a balance.

Subject: More In Ground trees in Long Island Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 451
 
The newly planted one so are from left to right

Red Patlican
Strawberry Verte
Mike's Sicilian
Wuhan
Figo Preto (next to green stake)

I had taken off all the hay about two weeks to let the soil warm up with the sun. With some rain expected I planted and put hay around the plants but not touching the bark. I am a fan of hay to keep soil moisture constant. I have used it for years with my tomatoes with excellent success. I hope the hay will help the trees from aborting and figs from cracking. We will see.

Attached Images
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Subject: My Winter Cuttings, Now ! Replies: 24
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 643
 
Looks like a Crimson Tide football team running on the field. Bear Bryant would be proud. Wishing you continued success.

Subject: More In Ground trees in Long Island Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 451
 
I was buoyed by the successful in ground survival of Panache over the past winter and planted the following in the ground today:

White Yogo
Aldo
Wuhan
Malta Purple Red
Figo Preto

All are two year olds. All planted twenty feet from house in south facing garden on what had been my compost pile. Soil was a beautiful dark black... Trees are closer than I would like but better than having a million pots everywhere.

Let's see in one year whether I am sobbing or happy. Especially interested to see if Figo Preto will make it through next winter. Hoping for nice figs later this year.

Already had in ground, Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Atreano, Celeste, Negronne, VDB, Panache make it through the winter. Added a Strawberry Verte and Red Patican to the ground last week.

Wish everyone the best this year.

Steve

Subject: Put Them in the Sun ? Replies: 9
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 483
 
I put everything else out today. Younger ones are getting early morning and late evening sun along a south facing wall.. I put a two year Strawberry Verte and Red Patlican in the ground. Bigger plants in 25 gallon pots are leafing out and they are on bricks facing southwest. My wife is not amused.

Subject: favorite containers Replies: 15
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 767
 
Chad,

You will hear differing opinions. I have moved directly from cups to one gallon pots and five gallon pails. In both, I always put rocks on bottom and use 60/40 perlite/mg potting soil. I have had better success moving to one gallon than five gallon. I now only move to one gallon. I would put success somewhere between 60-75%. Moving directly to five gallon was somewhere around 50%. Admittedly, I am getting better at it, using perlite, not over watering, etc.... Or so I think.

Steve

Subject: Winter-Kill...Tree Death, and Tissue Damage....Prevention???? Replies: 21
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,171
 
Frank,

I am close (Long Island) and had written this before about my protection. Sorry, if this is a repeat.

1). Potted plants about 60 of all types and sizes. These were put in a non-insulated garage, directly on the floor. So far, my only loss appears to be a young Vista.

2). Outdoor protected trees. I wrapped the following way:
a). Regular pink house insulation
b). Burlap
c). Plastic Tarp
d). 1 foot of hay at base

Wrapped around Thanksgiving, unwrapped last week, then re-wrapped, then unwrapped on Thursday.

Results- Atreano and VDB no damage. I did break a VDB tip when I re-wrapped. Panache had about six inches of die back.


3). Outdoor unprotected trees
a) Three feet from house facing south - Celeste, Negronne and Italian Red - no damage
b). Six feet from house facing east - Black Mission and Hardy Chicago - no damage

Hope it helps.

Thanks,

Steve

Subject: Finally some success Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 457
 
Those roots are a beautiful sight!

Subject: Roots Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 534
 
Aaron,

I saw that others up potted sooner than I normally do. When I went from Tupperware with spaghnum moss directly to one gallon pots, I had some losses. When I went from Tupperware to clear cups to one gallon, I had much better success. The confined space of the cup seems to concentrate root growth for me. I appreciate the suggestion and congratulate you on your success.

Steve

Subject: Roots Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 534
 
James,

I scored my cuttings like you mentioned. I believe what you call "lattice" is what I referred to as teeth in comb. I usually see these growing out of my side of cutting score. Are there specific names for the "type" of roots we are discussing. I am glad to hear lattice seems to equate to a barometer of healthiness.

Steve

Subject: Roots Replies: 8
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 534
 
I generally see three different types of roots on my cuttings. Do these different types have specific names or are roots just roots? Also, are the type of roots any predetermining factor of up potting success.

1) Thick roots that are bright white. Usually fewer in number but normally large. Also see more of these on thicker diameter cuttings.

2) Thin spindly roots. Usually more of them but they are usually tan/brown. Usually on thinner cuttings.

3) Roots that look like, for lack of a better term, ice crystals/teeth on a comb. They are tightly packed and always white

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Agree. I will re-unwrap my trees. It was nice to see just a dusting of snow this morning.

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Yes, I believe so.

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Attached is the Golden Atreano air layer.

Attached Images
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Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Tam

They look exactly like the figs pictured above. I purchased my tree as a 15 year old potted only tree from DiMaggios nursery in Bethpage, NY. It is about 1/2 mile from where Belleclare previously stood. I confirmed that this tree did not come from BC. I will be able to provide cuttings at end of year. I have a seven foot air layer from this tree that I took last year. It is leafing out nicely in my dining room.

Thanks

Steve

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Wow, that is one big wink. Thanks!

Subject: OT - Espaliered Asian Pear Replies: 6
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 509
 
JD,

You are correct. I had asked here prior to purchasing. Trying to take a bit of short cut and leverage some expertise. I looked up the varieties and know what I am getting into.

Tami,

Thanks. I will send pictures when the tree buds out.

Steve

Subject: Put me in coach! Replies: 6
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 513
 
Here are some kids trying to make it to the big leagues. These are mostly the Super Bowl winning cuttings from Rafed. Also some recents trades that rooted well. They are sitting on a cabinet that covers my boiler.

Attached Images
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Subject: 54 degrees - shuffling Replies: 4
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 267
 
I wish it were that scientific. Simply aesthetics.

Subject: 54 degrees - shuffling Replies: 4
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 267
 
Thanks. Kids and I had fun painting them.

Subject: OT - Espaliered Asian Pear Replies: 6
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 509
 
Doug and Pete,

Thanks for the info. I did a bit of reading since posting. It sounds as if they graft to get around the needing two trees problem. Sounds as if I found an excuse to head back to the nursery. Hope I come home with only an Asian Pear tree.

Subject: 54 degrees - shuffling Replies: 4
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 267
 
54 degrees today on LI. I have been shuffling about a third of the smaller plants each day. Colder weather is forecasted for next week so they will be staying in for awhile.

Attached Images
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Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Thanks Doug. Same to you. When trees break dormancy some twigs will be headed south.

Subject: OT: Colocasia in Pond Garden. Replies: 15
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 925
 
That is beautiful. I tried a small pond last year but could never stabilize the water and pulled it out. Great job.

Subject: OT - Espaliered Asian Pear Replies: 6
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 509
 
I purchased an Hollybrook Orchard espaliered apple tree, pic attached, It has three tiers with two different types of apples per tier. They also had an Asian Pear espaliered tree. This had three tiers but only one type of Asian Pear per tier, I walked around and saw a stand alone tree of the same type as one of the tiers. It said it needed a "like" pollinator. I asked an employee if the espaliered tree had a "like" pollinator on each tier. They unfortunately did not know. Can anyone please let me know if different types of Asian pears can cross pollinate? I apologize that this is not a fig thread but I did see that some members grow Asian pears. Thanks, I appreciate it.

Attached Images
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Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Just thought to send pics on the unwrapped figs.

First pic is the south facing Fig trees . Nearest to furthest, Italian Red (two years), Negronne and Celeste, both three years. Just trimmed.

Second pic is the Chicago Hardy facing east. Two years old.

Last is the Black Mission also facing east. Somewhat surprised this had no damage. Two years old.

Attached Images
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Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Shailesh,

Thanks for the kind words, like you; still lots to learn. All trees in the ground started in pots. I have trees of the same type that all started in pots. Those trees that I planted in the ground have far exceeded those in the pots in terms of growth. I think this would be expected. Even those that are in pots that send roots into the ground do much, much better than those that don't. It is those special ones like Black Madeira that I have in pots that I don't want to risk moving into the ground. I have a Figo Preto with a backup that I may plant in ground this year. We will see how brave I am later this spring.

Steve

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Grasa

Thanks. I think I have the basics down. Rooting, up potting, trimming, even air layering have come with great results. I have never successfully grafted yet. Something I hope to accomplish this year. I appreciate the guidance you and others here have given. Both in terms of knowledge and generosity. I am paying it forward. Wishing you a happy and healthy growing season!

Steve

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
They could have purple polka dots and I would be fine. It seems to have worked. The birds are picking up whatever scraps of insulation got stuck to branches to make their nests. Looks like they are flying with bits of cotton candy.

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Philly,

Attached is a picture of the insulation roll I used. Hope it helps.

Steve

Attached Images
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Subject: That Was Quick Replies: 4
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 347
 
Will you keep them or knock them off and send to the big fig jam in the sky

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
Pete - with your hiking, weekend beverage updates, and your mentioning of your svelte 150 lb figure makes you seem twenty compared to me

Subject: Unwrapped trees on Long Island Replies: 47
Posted By: Sburdo Views: 1,346
 
New Jersey ain't too shabby. I have a sister in law in East Brunswick, horse country and an uncle in Franklin Lakes. North Jersey is like being upstate NY. No lights on the streets, lots of green, deer and bear, etc...