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Subject: "Rolling River" family needs our prayers Replies: 12
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 708
 
I hope I'm not breaking some sort of protocol rule here, but I was so shocked and saddened when I logged onto the Rolling River website to see this post:

"The family of Lucius Robbi wishes to express our deepest appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and effort in finding Lucius . We are comforted by the fact that he did not suffer. 
Love, Tina, Marc, Corrina, Zea, Beecher, Susan, and Sean"

He was the 21-year-old that vanished on his way to college in Montana. He was their eldest son. Here is a picture from earlier this year. [family_2014] 
https://www.rollingrivernursery.com/index.php

Subject: Bass, What knife do you use for Z-graft? Replies: 12
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 726
 
I tried the disposable knives also but I found that I did not have the control I wanted. The blades are flexible and I was unable to control the blade as well as I would have liked. Sharpness is important too. I tried the Victorinox grafting knife but I couldn't' get it sharp enough. I'm no expert so I'm not saying they can't be sharpened, just that I couldn't get it the way it needed to be.

Subject: Bass, What knife do you use for Z-graft? Replies: 12
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 726
 
I found the knife on Ebay and it is now in my possession, along with a cleft grafting knife (I think). Very nice knives, and great weather this week for grafting. I am very happy with them.
 
 
 
It was about $70.00 US for both knives and UPS shipping. 

Subject: Hummingbird Moth Replies: 14
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 445
 
Hummingbird moths pupate from tomato hornworm larvae. 

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05517.html

Subject: Anyone ever play Musical Fig Cuttings? Replies: 0
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 247
 
I have found that it's often possible to tell if a young tree is alive by the sound that it makes when I run my finger nail over the bark. When it's dead it will make a sound that is a hollow sound. I have been trying this method out on some of my fig cuttings but the effect does not seem to be as clear-cut. Maybe it's because the cuttings are more moist even if they have died than say an outdoor tree in it's first leaf.

Subject: Interesting Find ... Replies: 64
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 3,163
 
Nate,

So awesome that you saved it. Anyone have ideas as to what cultivar it is?

Subject: No luck with cuttings. Replies: 15
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 472
 
Me three. Cover them completely. The one downfall to this method is root entanglement so keep a good eye. I wonder if sterilization removes good bacteria also, but the moss has it's own anti-fungal properties. If they rot in the Green moss (not sphagnum moss in large cube) then they weren't going to make it anyway.

Subject: Bass, What knife do you use for Z-graft? Replies: 12
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 726
 

Donna,

No doubt with swift and precise movements like Bass's, he's got a lot of experience. I'm tired of practicing with knives that I cannot sharpen. I don't want to keep trying with something that isn't razor sharp. I have had my own flesh-slicing experience with my Felco pruner, it took a couple of months to heal; stitches were probably in order. I give it much respect now. For some reason the Felco is Swiss made but has metal that can be sharpened. My husband's a machinist so I may have to ask him about the difference. I have found the same knife on Ebay from Italy but I have to find out about shipping. 

Subject: Bass, What knife do you use for Z-graft? Replies: 12
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 726
 
I think I finally figured it out. Manaresi from Italy.

Subject: Bass, What knife do you use for Z-graft? Replies: 12
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 726
 
Bass,

I have been watching your z-grafting video and I am amazed at your talent. I would like to know what knife you use. I have had a Victorinox knife but I don't believe it was wide enough and I honestly could not sharpen it well enough. Some have suggested disposable box-cutter knives but I had a hard time with the flexible blade. What knife do you use? I have been trying my best to figure it out from the video, even is slowest and highest definition, but I can't get it.

Subject: Need contact information for Figaholics Anonymous Replies: 23
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 823
 
Silly, you wouldn't ask your drinking buddies where the nearest AA meeting was, would you?

Subject: OT: last few months of stress has caught up with me. Replies: 51
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,432
 
Get well Pete.

Quote:
If its stress thats getting you, you need to spend more time in the garden. Thats one of the best stress relievers I have found...
Quote:


I had to go to the ER a few years back. I thought I was dying, truly. It turned out to be a panic attack. When they asked what I was doing before it came on I said I was reading a gardening book. All I could think of was how much I had to do.

Subject: UC Davis Cutting delivery STARTED !!! wohoooooo. Replies: 105
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 4,660
 
I received my package today. I believe I was the last person to place my request last year (November 1st). They look awesome. I got all my requests except Verte and Black Madeira. I also received peach scion in my package.

To top it all off I received my package from Brugmansia as well. If I could only grow figs like the ones I just received I would be in heaven. Dani sure knows what he's doing. Two of my little trees came with brebas. Do I really have to remove them????

Subject: OT - Need your prayers Replies: 68
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,857
 
JoAnn, I'll keep praying. Thanks for taking the time to update. She must be in a lot of pain. 

Subject: Hello! New Member--Want Cuttings? Replies: 79
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 3,198
 
I think I have figured out why all of the cuttings I received failed. I had also received some very large, mature cuttings from some other members and they all did the same; slowly die and rot. So, since the tree was cut to the ground but is growing back now, my guess is that the wood will be more readily rooted.

Subject: OT - Need your prayers Replies: 68
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,857
 
Jo-ann, My prayers are with your mom and your entire family. Thank you for your boldness in asking for prayer.

Subject: Weird Fungus ID Replies: 16
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 516
 
I just have to comment on what a great photo you took. When I opened it up it showed such a lovely blend of colors and textures that it is quite beautiful, even if it is a fungus. (maybe I'm crazy or it's almost midnight:))

Subject: Hello! New Member--Want Cuttings? Replies: 79
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 3,198
 
I guess I'm glad to know it's not just me. You raise an interesting point. I read somewhere here that someone had the best results by just sticking a cutting in the soil of an established tree. I am not sure in this case if that would help simply because I didn't try to sterilize the cuttings before putting them into the green moss the first time. 

I would still like to try. I have a feeling that new growth shoots might work better. Maybe there is something to having been growing in the LA aqueduct?

Subject: UC Davis Order Arrived! Replies: 6
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 370
 
I still have not received mine and I didn't have any persimmons on the request. I was probably the LAST person to order though.

Subject: Hello! New Member--Want Cuttings? Replies: 79
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 3,198
 
I have been having issues with rooting the Pink Do I received. I simply cannot get the cuttings clear of mold. I have dipped them in 10:1 chlorine, then soaked them for 10 minutes also. Currently they are in green moss and none of the other cuttings are having this issue. I wonder if there is something else I can do. The cuttings look alive still, but I'm not sure what damage the mold is doing since I am afraid to scrub due to not wanting to remove initials. 

Subject: In the roof sprang a huge fig tree roots! Replies: 14
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 865
 
Where was this picture taken?

Subject: From bag to pot. Particle size is everything. Replies: 54
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 4,250
 
So I purchased a huge bag of #4 commercial perlite and went about sifting. I have a 1/4" x 1/4" hardware cloth sifter that I use for other purposes. I was surprised that eventually all but a hand full of chunks went through the mesh. Am I being too diligent? Just a few shakes and that's good enough?

Subject: Let's talk traps Replies: 36
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,125
 
My experience with electrocution traps is that more often than not it just teaches the mouse to avoid it. The batteries have to be FULL strength otherwise they will get zapped and learn to avoid it, and then the smart ones live to breed again.

Subject: Let's talk traps Replies: 36
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,125
 
I ran across this video. It's a little quirky, but it might be helpful. Voles are everywhere...

Subject: 100% failure Replies: 32
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,099
 
I admit to being a newbie, but I also agree with Pete (Bullet08). You have already learned so much, i.e.: You have learned that it's wise to not start all the cuttings at the same time. Much of what you have learned can transmit to other plants besides figs, not to mention to a next generation. I suspect that if most of us here had been taught from knee-high we wouldn't have to be here! 
Quote:
take what you did this time as learning point and don't make the same mistake again next winter.


I also agree with dkrtexas:
Quote:
 I use clear shoeboxes with damp moss, put the cuttings in, leave them alone


I had what I thought was beginners luck last year but I guess it wasn't luck as I took the knowledge from Tom (tcm2009). So I have learned that what I did last year worked for me as far as rooting and potting, but I have lost 50% of those cuttings now during the winter. I have learned that I will need to water about once a month while they are in the garage. I actually knew this already but became concerned about roots rotting because others have posted warnings about it. My climate is quite arid and I have to take that into consideration when trying something someone else has success with. I have learned from over-wintering other types of plants that the best way to water in the winter is to freeze water in waxed cardboard milk containers, then cut away the bottom, which will allow the moisture to absorb into dry soil without just running through. (This is what I will do next year). All of my trees in 10 gallon pots survived the winter without a hitch, so I am thinking that a larger pot with more soil for protection might also help.

All this to say, "don't give up"!!!

Subject: Fedex Bill for USDA shipment Replies: 10
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 897
 
I think if you are close they will send ground, which will get there in two days anyway. Also, it may be that they use the FedEx or UPS boxes for convenience.

Subject: Fedex Bill for USDA shipment Replies: 10
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 897
 
I have received several requests from them; figs, pears, strawberries, & kiwis. They don't send anything ground because they want what they send to be highly viable. I was billed $80.00 for shipping for my strawberries, but I received more than 30 starts and everyone was well developed and they all rooted immediately. On top of which I received varieties that I could never have obtained in a lifetime otherwise. The work that is put into their collections is crucial to our food supply. Even if they did not fill requests their work in variety trials and research is priceless. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I think we are quite spoiled. It is the most amazing thing to be the recipient of such lavish collections. They could be charging for their products as well, but I am grateful that they don't (yet). This is one part of our way-too-big government that is priceless, in my opinion. I didn't even realize how much I took it for granted until the government shut down and I could no longer have access to their wealth of information. Sorry to go on so, but I guess I feel quite strongly on the matter.

Subject: How to Root Cuttings Replies: 10
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 841
 
The only way I have found info on this site is to do a site search with Google. 

https://www.google.com/#q=site%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Ffigs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com+How+to+Root+Cuttings

https://www.google.com/#q=site%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Ffigs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com+Root+Cuttings

Subject: Heat Source for In Ground Tree... Your thoughts? Replies: 19
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 666
 
The exhaust from the dryer is very humid as it is taking the water from the clothes and putting it into the air. Unless there was a way to even out the temperature by heating something that will absorb and reflect the heat at a constant level, the heat will be detrimental. You could place a weather station that records temperature and humidity there and get a better picture of how the exhaust is really affecting the area. 

Subject: Rooting Cuttings: Water Bottle Method Replies: 27
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,536
 

It looks as if you are putting them under lights. Are they on a heat mat too?

Subject: Root riot how to get moisture right? Replies: 28
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 2,301
 
I guess I didn't make myself clear. I am not saying Root Riots are bad, because lots of you are having great success. The problem is with me. I am too busy to really pamper them in the cubes. Putting the tray in a bin would have been better than the cover it came with. I was unable to keep them evenly moist because I wasn't babysitting them. I hadn't started all my cuttings so I can try  to resurrect the first set and then I'll start more.

Subject: Root riot how to get moisture right? Replies: 28
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 2,301
 
I removed about 30 cuttings from Root Riots today. They have been in RR for 3 weeks. Not a single root or initial at all. I removed as much of the dead as I could and put them in a hot water rescue. I will do the new baggie method now and see what happens. I have found it impossible to keep them evenly moist because there is simply not enough medium. I used rooting gel and scraped the bottom as well. I want to cry. I should have listened to my intuition and put them in green moss like I did last year.

Subject: ot: Wonderful Creations of The Wonderful Creator Replies: 17
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 730
 
Thanks for sharing the link. Stunning!

Subject: Number one fig for 2013 was: Replies: 37
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,675
 
I've been looking for Laradek BT. Where can I get one?
Quote:

If you're looking for BT then the Laradek BT strain. Hands down. Even Jon couldn't resist this one.

Subject: cold hardy unknown fig Replies: 56
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 2,347
 
Jackpot! Keep us posted! Any photos?

Subject: UC Davis Cutting delivery STARTED !!! wohoooooo. Replies: 105
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 4,660
 
I just spoke with Mary and my order is being processed! They are still shipping out so don't loose hope if you are still waiting. It sounds as if they are shipped in the order received.

Subject: UC Davis Cutting delivery STARTED !!! wohoooooo. Replies: 105
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 4,660
 
Thank you James.

Subject: UC Davis Cutting delivery STARTED !!! wohoooooo. Replies: 105
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 4,660
 
Will someone please PM me the number for Mary Parker, or whomever I should speak with? I still have not had any replies to emails or phone messages I have sent to the general number for the Davis repository.

Subject: Trying the Root Riot Method - updated 22 May Replies: 37
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,471
 

I've seen quite a lot of pictures using Root Riot cubes and one thing I'm seeing is the the cuttings are rather shorter than mine. Do you trim them to make 2 cuttings? Some of mine are nearly hitting the top of the dome.

Subject: Black light to kill mold? Replies: 10
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,506
 
Too bad a regular black light won't work. I'm glad I asked the "experts" here.

Subject: What is this creeping death?!?!? Ambrosial Shothole Borer Beetles Replies: 41
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,110
 
Chivas, thanks for the links. I found a Longhorned beetle larva in an old apple tree I was trying to save. I never could identify it until now. One of the ugliest things alive!

Subject: Black light to kill mold? Replies: 10
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,506
 
My son came over yesterday and noticed I had mold growing on a few of my cuttings. I told him I was trying to figure out the best way to get rid of it. He surprised me when he said I should use black light. I did a tiny bit of research and have found that if the light is within a few inches and for a 10 or more seconds, it will kill mold. I asked him about ordinary full spectrum lights and he said that the glass blocks most of the UV rays, which is what disinfects.

So, has anyone tried black lights on figs? I have a urine-finder black light but I haven't tried it yet. It's not often that I even understand him when he speaks. I do have to brag a little as he's hopefully just a semester away from getting his PhD.:)

Subject: Fig Collectors' (newer) Math Replies: 25
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 927
 
Ugh, so hard to get rid of when they are so darn cute.
Quote:
I have three newborn ones in my lime tree pot.

Subject: Increasing Hardiness Replies: 11
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 703
 
Good question gorgi!

Subject: UPDATE - Mild spary to control mold - CANNOT rinse afterward Replies: 18
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,291
 

This is a newbie question for sure, but is mold prevention necessary after leafing? I guess I never took that into consideration as I didn't have a mold problem my first year.

Subject: Clonex then paraffin? Replies: 21
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 922
 
I am using a Little Dipper I got with my Crock Pot. One negative thing about the hands and feet one is it takes a long time to melt, but on the positive you can pretty much dip the whole cutting. I had thought that the heat might harm the cutting until Rui posted hot water rescue.

Subject: sad news Replies: 5
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 544
 
Good advice. I too thought my Chicago Hardy had bit the dust one year and much later it started out with new shoots. Don't give up yet.

Subject: tissue culture figs? Replies: 29
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,922
 
Awesome insight.  I'm quite a newbie. Are you saying that the 5 gallon pot restricts root growth in order to bring earlier fruiting? Thanks Sas.

Quote:
I then buried one of the regular 5 gallon pots into the ground as is after cutting off the bottom of the pot and added plant food to the container and hooked it up to a 15 min per day 2 gallon drip irrigation tip.

Subject: UPDATE - Mild spary to control mold - CANNOT rinse afterward Replies: 18
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,291
 
I was getting ready to spray my outdoor fruit trees with copper and it dawned on me that it might be good for fig cuttings to reduce mold. I found this thread and thought it would be good for a bump. A few other threads mention Actinovate to reduce mold and fungus also. Does anyone here have updates or other inspiration?

Subject: Received USDA shipment today Replies: 37
Posted By: milehighgirl Views: 1,226
 
John and Calvin, when did you guys place your orders? I am about to give up hope.