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Subject: Turbo kloner Replies: 36
Posted By: RIMike Views: 415
 
Here's another one. http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/the-mist-cloner-is-complete-7255233?&trail=50

If your not into building one yourself, check ebay for the "Clone King" version. I bought that one and it works just as well as a home made one. I just didn't feel like driving around searching for parts to put it all together.

I will attest that they work very well. No gnats, or mold and success rate for me is higher than using moss or paper towel.

Subject: Black Madeira Replies: 19
Posted By: RIMike Views: 501
 
I will confirm on the vigor of Keith's strain of Black Madeira. The one I received from him via EBAY has grown over 6ft tall on year one ( planted in compost) and has about 20+ figs on it. I've even managed to get an air layer off a side shoot near the base.

Now if the figs would just ripen......

Subject: First Black Madeira and CDDG Replies: 38
Posted By: RIMike Views: 773
 
The BM looks great and I'm waiting for mine to start to ripen. My 2nd year old tree ( from KK ) has about 15 figs on it and hoping I get to taste a few.

Subject: Abique Petite splitting Replies: 10
Posted By: RIMike Views: 158
 
None of mine have split and its in the greenhouse and watered regularly. Don't give up on it, the figs are excellent and best just when they start to "wrinkle".

Subject: Fig Find at Portuguese Farmers Market Replies: 2
Posted By: RIMike Views: 132
 
Today I stopped back at the local farmers market in Fall River, MA. Fall River has a very large population of Portuguese and I was anxious to see if there were any trees for sale.

I ended up talking with a woman who's family has sent her fig cuttings from Portugal for many years. I was amazed that they made it through the US Postal Service without any issue, but apparently they have a "system" and I'll not elaborate on it as I know its illegal.

She told me her family has had the tree in Portugal for 40+ years and this is the black fig. She classified the figs as black, white, or pink. White being a green fig with a tan interior, and a pink being green or black with a pinkish color interior. She has no idea about actual variety names, but did tell me the black one has "honey" that comes out and the fig tastes like sugar. It was tough to pass up a tree with that description so I took it home after giving her the asking price and is now growing along with the rest of the trees in the greenhouse. Hopefully I will get to sample this fig as it's already pushed out a few main crop figs.

  fallriver1.jpg 

fallriver2.jpg 

fallriver3.jpg 

fallriver4.jpg   

Subject: Dauphine Fig... Aka Granthams Royal Replies: 18
Posted By: RIMike Views: 410
 
jdsfrance, can you elaborate on the "true French dauphine"

Does it need a wasp and do you have any pics of the crop? I am wondering what UC Davis version of Dauphine really is that I have.

Subject: Dauphine Fig... Aka Granthams Royal Replies: 18
Posted By: RIMike Views: 410
 
....and for anyone who is in the fig wasp area and is interested in the Dauphine from UCD lets talk. Doesn't make sense to grow a tree that needs the wasp here just for a few Breba every year.

Subject: Dauphine Fig... Aka Granthams Royal Replies: 18
Posted By: RIMike Views: 410
 
Armando - what is your source for Dauphine? I ask because I have an interest in this variety due to the name, you can see the connection from the UCD tag.

I have two trees growing from UCD and both have produced a good amount of main crop figs and a few breba this year. It appears the tree needs the wasp, as the main crops are dropping off although the breba are getting ripe. No wasps on this side of the country so these trees will have to go as I search for what I believe to be Violette Dauphine, which doesn't need the wasp.

For some reason there is some conflicting and confusing information about this variety in all the research I have done to track down them down. Here is the Breba from the UCD Dauphine, which appears to be a bit different than yours, adding to the confusion.
IMG_3726.JPG 
Dauphine Breba

IMG_3732.JPG 

Fig was OK, but not outstanding. Could have left it on the tree a bit longer but was anxious to taste.

IMG_3739.JPG 
Family history here?

Subject: A few container trees in the back. Replies: 21
Posted By: RIMike Views: 400
 
Dennis, Look like you still have a bit of empty space here and there. You should be able to fit a few more on the deck. :) Fig shuffle must be brutal with that many pots.

"FEW"
adjective & pronoun
determiner: few; adjective: few; comparative adjective: fewer; superlative adjective: fewest
1.
a small number of.

Subject: Black Italian pic sooooo good Replies: 19
Posted By: RIMike Views: 660
 
Dennis, Nice to see what they actually look like.

I'm on the 4th year now with my tree and it finally has produced two breba this year. No signs of main crop figs at all, despite a good amount of new growth. I decided last night that it's going to produce or I'm going to kill it trying to kick start it into producing. Ended up giving it a half handful of triple phosphate, a double dose of Jack's bloom booster fertilizer, pinched it back again, and recited some explicit words about it not growing. Tree just doesn't want to give up the goods.

How old were your trees before they started producing?

Subject: Figs still in storage??? Replies: 30
Posted By: RIMike Views: 379
 
Dave,

Trees look great and you should be fine bringing them outside now. Many of the trees ( maples, oak, birch) are already leafing out so it looks like spring is finally here. I'd expect the same for you in CT.

Subject: SCORE!!! High Tunnel Greenhouse at Estate Sale Replies: 4
Posted By: RIMike Views: 215
 
Go to Farmtek.com and look at there steals and deals section for new plastic. Many times you can get smaller pieces for much less than normal as they are cutoffs from larger rolls.

Great Score!

Subject: Here we GROW! Replies: 12
Posted By: RIMike Views: 392
 
Rado - yes, you get a huge jumpstart on the growing season with a greenhouse / hightunnel.

FigTrees2013 - I bring them into an insulated shed over the winter, as the greenhouse doesn't have heat. I did pick up a propane heater this year though due to the cold snap we had a few weeks back. I ended up wrapping them all in 4 layers of agribon and running the heater all night as many of them had already leafed out and I didn't want to set them back with the freeze.

Subject: Here we GROW! Replies: 12
Posted By: RIMike Views: 392
 
Best investment I've ever made in regards to gardening for sure.

IMG_2779.JPG 

10ft wide 18ft long. After the first week I knew it was too small. :)

Was working on irrigation today. Something I've been meaning to do for the last year but always got occupied with other things.

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Spaghetti tubing all over, but it works well, and only one small drip leak which I can live with.
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Every container now has a drip line of some sort which are all adjustable depending on container size. Next will be to add some heavy duty plant saucers to capture the runoff. With the way this spring was, I'm thinking we will have a dry summer. Plus my water bill is high enough with two kids that take 25 minute showers....but that's another story!

IMG_2782.JPG 

Tomatoes are in a bucket in a bucket system so they always have a water supply. Just another form of a SIP. Tomatoes should be beginning to flower next week.

IMG_2783.JPG

Subject: Here we GROW! Replies: 12
Posted By: RIMike Views: 392
 
Off to a good start here in RI, as all but two trees have woken up and leafed out.

RDB and LSU Gold seem to be stuck in dormancy, but there are signs of life and the trees and on year 2 so I'm not concerned.
IMG_2769.JPG 
VDB decided to pump out al whole bunch of Breba. I almost gave up on this tree as two years in a row it was covered with rust and didn't produce a single fig, and dropped all its leaves before the end of summer. Hopefully whatever was wrong with it is history.
IMG_2771.JPG 
Some new growth along with some breba on JH Adriatic.

IMG_2770.JPG 
And everyone else is coming along nicely...
IMG_2773.JPG 

IMG_2774.JPG 

Italian black on far left here has put on some new growth after two years of not doing much of anything. I clipped back all the tips of this tree in the fall hoping it would wake up. Seemed to work, now if it will only produce some figs.

IMG_2775.JPG

All of these are still in the greenhouse. The two large VDB will come out sometime in MAY as I'll need room for tomatoes, and the rest might stay in there for the season depending on what else I end up growing in there ( veggies).

Subject: Guerllia Planting - Need Cold Hardy Varities Replies: 4
Posted By: RIMike Views: 158
 
I've been debating this for a year or two and decided I'm going to do this with my kids to see if we can put a tree somewhere, watch it grow and see what happens. Would be great if it made it a year or two and actually produced figs.

I'm in RI so will need a good cold hardy variety to do this with. Besides Hardy Chicago, does anyone have any other recommendations?

All of my trees I overwinter inside for the winter so don't have any first hand experience with dealing with the elements.

Who else has tried and succeeded with guerilla plantings?

Subject: Watering & Conserving Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 107
 
I was thinking connect a bunch of pans together with a PVC T coming out of the pan. You water the first one in the line, the water should rise equally across all the pans.....in theory.

I know when I water the trees if they are kind of dry, the water runs right out the bottom until the soil starts to soak it up. I'm guessing I'm wasting quite a bit of water because of it.

Subject: Watering & Conserving Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 107
 
This is what I was thinking about. They are actually called water heater pans and come drilled with a PVC insert. You could connect all the inserts together and flood the whole system watering the plants all at once..... HMMM????
pan.jpg 

Subject: Watering & Conserving Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 107
 
With the dry winter we had, I believe it will be a dry spring and summer. I have a 600 gallon setup for collecting rainwater and can usually make it through the season with never having to drag out the hose but I have a feeling that isn't going to happen this year.

I'm looking to convert to SIP's like Bill's Figs uses, but cant find heavy duty plastic whisky barrels. If I'm going to do it and invest the time to build them, better make sure they are going to last as long as possible. Does anyone have a link?

I've also thought about using large saucers as a temporary solution. They have these big saucer type pan at home depot they stick under a water heater. Those would work well I think.

Subject: Time to uncover trees? Replies: 13
Posted By: RIMike Views: 313
 
Just put them all in the greenhouse on Sunday. With the warms temps they should start to wake up in the next week or so.

IMG_2511.JPG

Subject: Protecting figs with hoophouse Replies: 9
Posted By: RIMike Views: 273
 
See this thread from 5/18/2015. You can get a big jump on your growing season, and extend it by a month, maybe more.

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/greenhouse-update-leafed-out-and-growing-strong-7409265?pid=1287207490

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
Glad to see this thread has sparked some interest. Many of my trees still have leaves on them in the greenhouse so I haven't started up the clone machine yet. When I do I'll be sure to post some pics.

Subject: Dauphine Fig in Indonesia Replies: 13
Posted By: RIMike Views: 584
 
Does anyone have info on Dauphine from UC Davis? I have two of them growing, but now fear that if it's not the common type, I might just be growing this for the leaves here in RI. I was under the impression that Dauphine from UCD did not need the fig wasp for main crop figs.

Subject: Ronde de Bordeaux - For Sale Replies: 1
Posted By: RIMike Views: 314
 
Ive got two trees one about 3ft tall, one about two feet with a few small figs. Both appear to have FMV, but not stopping them from growing well in the greenhouse.

Too big to ship (unless you want me to cut them down to a nub), but could meet within a reasonable distance. Located in RI.

$25 each

rdb.jpg 

Subject: Shade cloth percenage for Green house Replies: 30
Posted By: RIMike Views: 911
 
Hey Dennis, Steve is right on. You have no air movement, so you will have a very difficult time finding the correct balance of light/heat without it.

Because the greenhouse doesn't have an end wall louver, maybe get a oscilating fan which you can mount on the back wall and blow the air out through the front door to have some circulation and put in on a basic on / off timer. The Air King wall mount fan on ebay is going the be the best bang for you buck, and very affordable for $44 bucks. In addition, this is the time of year for grey mold. High humidity and very little air flow to dry things out is a breeding ground for fungus and other headaches. Grey mold wiped out almost all of my tomatoes last year due to lack of air movement...lesson learned!

AIR KING 9018 Wall Mount Fan

Subject: Trees for Sale / Trade Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 492
 
CdD has been traded.

Subject: Trees for Sale / Trade Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 492
 
Clearing out the clutter from the greenhouse and have some extras that need new homes.

All are rooted and growing well in 1 gallon pots. I'm located in Portsmouth RI, and really not interested in shipping them unless I really, really have to.

Pickup in RI is the best option. :) You can call or txt at 4o1.5 two 8. 9 five two 4

Would only like to trade the Col De Dam for rooted Black Madeira as my rooting attempts have all failed.

VDB - $15
White Triana - $20
RDB $25

I'll also trade for large established perennials, or fruiting blueberry bushes.

Qty 2- VDB. Mother trees came from Dave WilsonsIMG_1148.JPG
  

Qty 3 - Rdb CUttings were purchased from figgary this winter. IMG_1149.JPG 
     
Qty 1 - White Triana. Cutting from my own treeIMG_1150.JPG

Qty 1- Col De Dam Blanc - From UCD Cutting. I have a tree growing and the green wood branch broke off so I rooted it. Growing well.

IMG_1151.JPG 

Subject: Greenhouse Update - Leafed out and growing strong Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 354
 
It's labeled DFC 74.0000A - Blanc it is.

Subject: Greenhouse Update - Leafed out and growing strong Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 354
 
rafaelissimmo,your right and thanks for bringing that to my attention. I just checked the tag from UCD and it just says Col De Dam, and nothing else. Not sure if it's CdD Blanc, or Noir as you mentioned. Hmmm....
 

Subject: Greenhouse Update - Leafed out and growing strong Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 354
 
Hello Gang,

Wanted to post an update 3 weeks ago but life has gotten in the way and eaten up most of my free time.

Anyway, everyone loves pictures so here we go.

trees1.jpg  No idea what is going on with the tree dead center, 4th from left. VS Black I think it is, no growth at all anywhere except from the tips. Wondering if this is FMV causing this, was like this last year as well.
trees2.jpg  They all appear happy in the greenhouse, leafed out and forming figlets. Slightly light green leaves on some, which will remedy with some fertilizer.
trees3.jpg  Two VBD trees here temporarily. They are just about touching the plastic roof, so they stay in here for a month to leaf out then outside they go as I need the room for 'maters.
trees5.jpg
Fig on the White Triana, tree has only produced one fig for some reason. Tree is pictured on the far left in the first photo.
trees6.jpg 
Col De Dame Gris here, which came from UCD last year. Took this cutting months to finally root, and I forced it under grow lights most of the winter to make sure it survives. I'm hesitant to take the figs off as I'm really anxious to taste them.
trees7.jpg 
Col De Dam Noir here, which I also forced under the lights. Growing well and producing figlets!!

Have some cuttings growing as well, VDB RDB, Dauphine from UCD, and a few White Triana. I'll take some pics and add to this later today if I don't have to be the shuttle service for the kids.

Subject: Shade cloth percenage for Green house Replies: 30
Posted By: RIMike Views: 911
 
I've got a 60% shade cloth on my 10 X 18 greenhouse / hightunnel. Without it, it was so hot in there you couldn't stay in there for more then 10 minutes at a time, even with the sides rolled up. The tomatoes I had in there didn't do well, as they were stressed from the heat.

Added a shade cloth an you can hang out in there all day, plants love it and it provides plenty of light.

This is what I have.

https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/60-percent-aluminet-shade-curtain/shade-material

Subject: GET OUT! Replies: 9
Posted By: RIMike Views: 546
 

Ready or not, I'm making spring happen. Like everyone in New England, I'm done with winter.

I took some of the smaller trees out the other day and stuck them in the greenhouse. It was 73 degrees in there when I put them in and I was thinking I need a lawn chair, some shorts, and a 6 pack of beer! Night time temps a dropping below freezing but I still think these guys should be just fine as its only for a few hours each night as it warms right back up in the AM in the greenhouse as soon as the sun comes up. I've still got 2 VDB trees hibernating and will move them in once I know the freeze is gone as they are in 25 gallon pots and moving them isn't fun.

Has anyone started trying to wake the dead by doing the fig shuffle?

spring1.jpg 

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
Just checked and my water temp is 69 degrees. I put the cloner on a heat mat to see if I can get the temps up in the 70's

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
Sorry guys, I took some pictures over the weekend but forgot to post them.

Here we are, with some cuttings leafed out.
IMG_0743.JPG 

As expected, root development on the fig cuttings. White Triana, RDB and VDB all have produced roots. The Black Madeira has stalled out for some reason.
IMG_0744.JPG 

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Blueberry cuttings show now signs of anything, but they are producing some top growth so I haven't given up hope yet.

IMG_0747.JPG 

Harvey seems to have more root development than I'm having, and I think we started close to the same time. Possibly water temps, freshness of cuttings, how long cutting have been dormant, etc.
I haven't measured the water temps, but I will just for reference. Harvey, what is the temp of the water / fog in your setup?

Subject: lighting system help Replies: 19
Posted By: RIMike Views: 620
 
Check Craigslist in your area for grow lights. Chances are you will find a T5 setup for cheap money from someone who decided growing Dope wasn't the best idea.

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
For all those following along, here's a weekly update. First off, it's snowing, again. This sucks just like it did last weekend, the weekend before that, and so on. I'm debating adding bleach to my coffee and just end the suffering!

Now, back to the clones. A few things have leafed out, White Triana, and the variegated dog wood cuttings I took just to see what would happen.
IMG_0723.JPG 

Lots of stuff getting ready to send out some roots. Everything seems to be progressing except for the blueberry cuttings I have in there. They seem to just be sitting there.
  IMG_0724.JPG 
IMG_0725.JPG 

IMG_0726.JPG 

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Heres the bottom of one of the variegated dogwoods. A small root is starting to show itself. Japanese Lilac in the back corner is about ready to root as well.
IMG_0731.JPG     
Everything is progressing along, and I'd expect to start seeing some real roots like Harvey showed in the next week.

IMG_0734.JPG 

Under the light, and pretty much the only things green and growing anywhere in New England right now!

Back Left - CDN
Back Right - Petit Negri
Middle Left- VDB Orphan
Middle Center - Dauphine
Middle Right - CDG
Front Left - VDB Orphan
Front Right - Bryant Dark
Far Right - Cityline Rio Hydrangea
 IMG_0737.JPG 

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
Good observation on the blueberries. I'll do that in the next time I check them....

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
Ok so here's an update as requested.

I've got more than just figs in here now to see how different things react. Besides the figs, holly, variegated red twig dogwood, Japanese Lilac, and some blueberry bush cuttings. That's all I could find a this time of the year to stick in here.

IMG_0696.JPG 
There doesn't appear to be anything drying out as there was some discussion about a humidity dome in previous posts. You can see some breba starting to form, which I've since knocked off.

I've changed the water earlier in the week. I don't think is a requirement, I was bored and tired of starting at 2ft of snow out every window in the house!
 xlonewash.JPG 
From the looks of things, the greener cuttings seem to be reacting very well to this propagation method, more so than the older brown wood.

Here are some RDB Cuttings
IMG_0700.JPG 

White Triana cuttings here

IMG_0701.JPG 
IMG_0702.JPG 

Here's one of the Black Madeira cuttings

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VDB Cuttings from older wood. You can see they are string to show signs.
IMG_0704.JPG   
IMG_0705.JPG    

So far I'm pleased. For the middle of winter, it's working just fine. I'd expect better results with warmer temps that whats happening under the grow lights in the basement. 70 degree water and 75 - 80 degree air temps and I think things would work very well. And for what it's worth, checking them 3, 4, 5 or more times a day doesn't seem to speed up root development.

Subject: --- the Spring is coming!!! Replies: 29
Posted By: RIMike Views: 809
 
I think those pictures classify as cruel and unusual punishment. It's a balmy 3 here today with more snow coming this weekend. UGH!

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
OK, so here is an update. Cuttings of VDB and Black Madeira ( Thanks Mario ) cuttings were put in the cloner using just plain water and stuck under the T5 Grow lights on January 24th.

cloner.jpg 

Here is the inside of the clone machine. Nothing special, just some 360 degree spray heads running off a small pump.
cloner2.jpg 

Here's whats happening underneath.
cloner3.jpg 

Appears to be not much, but closer inspection of the Black Madeira I've got the beginning of roots!!! cloner4.jpg 

Looks like the VDB are starting to form roots as well. cloner5.jpg 

So that's 6 days sitting under a T5 400Watt growl light that's on 12hrs a day, and the clone machine runs 24/7 with just plain water. No cloning gel, no hormone dip, just tap water out of the faucet. Needless to say I'm beyond impressed with this method. No more rotten cuttings, wet moss, plastic bags and perlite, etc. This works system works, and works amazingly well. Build one, or buy one with all the parts ready to go, it doesn't matter as the concept is the same. I bought this one as I didn't feel like hunting around for all the parts to build one as the cost is the end was about the same.

Could the be a world record for getting a Black Madeira cutting to show roots?

OK, now who has some blueberry bush cuttings they don't need? :)

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 

Strudeldog, Yes I bought mine from Ebay, and from that seller, two of them actually. One for me and one for my old man to play around with as well.

It's quite possible I have no idea what I'm doing or talking about, as this really is man vs. nature in it's simplest form. Plants are programmed to grow no matter what. One thing I do know, is all of this stuff has been done before so don't try to reinvent the wheel. The Medical Dope guys have more money to spend and experiment on the actual science of growing, cloning and harvesting so let them do it. I'm more than happy to jump on the "growing bandwagon" for my own needs after they have spent all the time, effort and money coming up with the next greatest thing.

The instructions that came with the clone machine say no humidity dome needed. Easy enough, as I'm sure the guy making these kits has enough experience behind using cloning machines to recommend that none are used. I'm sure he doesn't want his customers to fail, as that's a bad business model. I don't have a humidity dome on mine as I really don't think it's needed. A humidity dome will certainly prevent the cuttings from drying out, but will also provide a great home for mold. In addition, making the transfer from the cloning machine to a pot that much more of a challenge as the plants will have to be slowly acclimated to no humidity dome.

I'll take some photos of the cuttings in the clone machine and post them and people can decide for themselves on what direction to go.

Subject: The mist cloner is complete Replies: 124
Posted By: RIMike Views: 4,391
 
Decided to skip building one and went with 36 clone model CloneKing on Ebay. I've got VDB and BM cuttings in it using just plain water, so lets see what happens.

Is anyone using rooting gel on their cuttings, or just going with plain water?

Subject: Bad experienece with member "fespo" Replies: 22
Posted By: RIMike Views: 1,112
 
Harvey,

If you call Ebay and ask them to raise your limit as the growing season is upon us and you have many items to offer, they will increase your limit as long as your seller performance is in good standing. It takes about 5 minutes to have them do it.

Just a thought, as your business shouldn't be limited by these types of restrictions.

Subject: Cuttings Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 610
 
Thanks for the replies guys. Check your Messages, please.

Hey Kyle, haven't heard from you in a while. Hope all is well.

Subject: Cuttings Replies: 5
Posted By: RIMike Views: 610
 
Looking for specifically legit Black Madeira and RDB. Maybe others if they are of interest.

As much as I've tried to avoid it, winter has started to melt my brain! Wife said to me this AM, when are your turning on the grow lights? Somehow she must have known the pacing back and forth in the house and staring out the sliding glass door for the last two weeks was coming to a head. Usually I can at least get outside and do some metal detecting with the kids on the nicer days but were frozen solid here in RI so that's out. I might set up a chair under the grow lights just to fool myself into thinking it's spring! I don't know how those Alaska survivalist on TV do it during the winter.

Anyway if your able to help stop the winter insanity, great. Cash is king, or willing to trade as I sell nursery pots, plant clips, Agribon AG-19, and other stuff so we could work something out there as well if interested.

Subject: MBVS Replies: 11
Posted By: RIMike Views: 716
 
Tree has a great shape! What are you using the agribon for, as a tree wrap? Agribon is great stuff, just never see it layed out like you have it there.

Subject: It's time for another Greenhouse! Replies: 26
Posted By: RIMike Views: 694
 
Forgot to mention, if you do decide to do something with a wood frame, you might want to consider using pressure treated for longevity, as a drastic drop in temperature during the night will cause lots of moisture buildup inside the tunnel, which doesn't bode well for wood.

Subject: It's time for another Greenhouse! Replies: 26
Posted By: RIMike Views: 694
 
I'll say this, the roll up side make all the difference in keeping things cool and air moving, even just rolling them up 1foot to let some air flow. I'll be adding some kind of screen this year as I continued to get the dreaded hornworm moth laying eggs on my tomatoes. The screen will stop that but still let the air in.

First year I didn't have a shade cloth it was unbearable to go in there at high noon in the summer, even with fans blowing and sides rolled up. It was like you were an ant under a magnifying glass in the hot sun. Got a shade cloth and can now stay in there all day long. I think it's a 40% which was purchased from Greenhouse mega store. Still lets plenty of light in and things grow like crazy, it just doesn't get overwhelmingly hot.

Check out buildmyowngreenhouse .com, as they sell the hoop bender you will need. That's where I got mine. Plenty of examples of what can be done with a build you own after you bend the hoops.

Also, check out FarmTek's steals and deals section for misc parts. I go a 30X30 louver for 30$ that I then modified added a autovent arm to. They also have leftover greenhouse film you can get in odd sizes. Sometimes you score and cen get the endwall and roll up side pieces for very cheap money.

Subject: It's time for another Greenhouse! Replies: 26
Posted By: RIMike Views: 694
 
Dennis,

If your somewhat handy, you should read this thread. Building a hightunnel / Greenhouse is very easy to do and you will have a better greenhouse than just about any kit as you can customize it to your liking. By far my best gardening investment to date was building one, just wish I made it bigger!

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/high-tunnel-advantages-6278588?pid=1277475747#post1277475747


Mike

Subject: For Sale or Trade - Yellow Armenian Fig Replies: 4
Posted By: RIMike Views: 533
 
Successfully Traded.