Register  |   | 
 
Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Search > All posts by LJFiggy
 
 


The search returned 143 posts

Only find topics started by LJFiggy
   
Topics  |  Posts
Subject: Brown Turkey Cuttings Trade Replies: 58
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 1,036
 
Hi Meg....it's been so busy around here (lots going on) that I haven't had time to be on here lately, and have missed it! My cuttings from you were stuck in some kind of warehouse for days during the blizzard here, so suffered some damage. However, I managed to get at least three of them going. The largest plant is now about 5" tall, and although I can't see any roots yet, it looks to be coming along. I hope so much they make it and really go for it! I'm babying them along....Glad yours are doing well :)
Btw, I STILL haven't had a chance to go by to see the local tree, but am going to get to it one way or another!

Subject: Starting my cuttings Replies: 17
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 539
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cheapnewb
Well, I got tired of spraying water on top of the cuttings, so I soaked the bottoms of the cups. I wonder if I didn't get too much water in there. :/

I hope it dries out a bit.


Hope they're okay...Can you see any signs of growth yet?

As a newbie myself, I have discovered that over-watering, even on cuttings that are rooting well and with leafy growth, can kill them nearly overnight. I've lost a few types this way that i'll have to replace now, because of only having one or two to start with.

Sometimes they can be saved if you quickly replace the growing/rooting medium with something drier. Getting these cuttings into trees definitely takes practice and work!

Subject: Good gojis? Replies: 16
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 232
 
These look like developing pruned plants...shows how much fruit a Sweet Lifeberry can produce!:


Examples of pruned goji "trees", where the branchwork can be seen:


Excellent description of how pruning is done to create the goji tree:


I plan to do this type of pruning on most of my goji plants, but don't think it will be possible this year as they are already leafing out thickly. The figs kept me so busy I just didn't get to them quite in time! I may just do a little bit of thinning out for now, working towards the goal of a single trunk next year. When I plant seeds again, it will be easier to get them to a single trunk right off, rather than a bunch of relatively similar branches coming out from the roots!

If you do an Ebay search for Big or Sweet Lifeberry Goji, you should be able to find the "dormant" ones as I ordered. Those are the lowest priced. You can even save searches where you are notified by email when listings show up. Keep us updated on your finds, Jodi :)

Subject: Good gojis? Replies: 16
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 232
 
Oh something else on the goji topic :).....
Several years back, at a different location, I harvested seeds from some goji berries I bought online, figuring that these would make productive plants. I planted nearly 30 and they grew quickly into gorgeous plants with grayish-green silvery leaves.  Nearly every plant made it and i planted them along the garden fence, with basically no pruning. Within a year or two they had just started to produce and I found the fruits really good, with a strongly nutritious taste.

When I am settled at a more permanent location, I plan to again grow some plants from seeds, and can't wait to harvest more than a handful at a time! They are definitely better fresh, in my opinion.

Subject: Good gojis? Replies: 16
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 232
 
Hi Jodi...last year I purchased four Big Lifeberry Goji plants on sale. They were scant little plants, but have rebounded and grown well and are now planted in large bronze-colored wastebaskets with holes I drilled in the bases (less expensive than large planters), where they get a lot of sun.

And I just found four of the Sweet Lifeberry Gojis on Ebay for about five dollars apiece. They arrived "dormant" but I think will be putting leaves out quickly. I figured for the price, even if just half survive, I can take cuttings from survivors.

I have studied growing and caring for goji plants a lot, including pruning, because I really need to have productive plants. Goji berries, as i'm sure you know, are super nutritious and I couldn't afford to buy the amount that would be important to eat daily.

There are two basic ways recommended for top production. The first, and most highly recommended, creates what looks like beautiful gnarled little goji trees, with center "trunk" and drooping branches. I've seen a lot of examples of these on YouTube videos, and they are loaded with fruit!

The other method is just cutting all the branches off late winter/early spring and letting them bush out and hopefully produce well.

This year I tentatively planned to start pruning my BLGs in the tree shape, and would look at the branches to determine their future trunks. I was hesitant for a couple reasons, including that this would delay regular fruiting for at least a year. I figured I had a little time to do more research. And then, today I went out to look at them and saw they are full and bushy with leaves! So, what to do??!

If I already had cuttings from mine, I would just send you some! I'd love sharing them as they are so healthy :) Btw, even the leaves are edible and can be harvested.

Subject: Rooting issues.... Replies: 27
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 686
 
JoAnn...just found this "lasagna rooting" method on youtube and it looks promising. Simple, quick, and you get a lot of extra plants from the looks of it. And, the ingredients to make the "lasagna" are inexpensive too!



And take heart, there are probably a lot of nice members here who will share cuttings with you if your experiment in rooting 3 year olds isn't as successful as hoped....in fact, if I had cuttings already to share right now, I'd do it.

Subject: Cheap Cuttings 4 U Replies: 13
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 758
 
Thank you, Charles! You really made my day with the cuttings, and I appreciate your generosity a lot.  I agree with Cheryl, and am starting to feel more like an actual fig grower, and bit of a collector, myself :)

Subject: bark mulch for better roots Replies: 12
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 542
 
Ricky, I found large bags (2 cu feet and I think about 25 lbs) of Mini Pine Bark at Walmart for just under $3.00. I'm planning to go back for more as I need it as part of inexpensive potting mix for the little fig trees and also for potatoes i'm preparing to plant. 

The pine wood pieces are not uniform and range from about 1/2 to shreds, but the product works for me and i'm pleased with the price.

Thanks for your soilless mix recipe...
"New England Gardener" on YouTube also has a mix he came up with that works for his figs which uses pine bark, perlite, and potting mix, if I remember accurately w/out referring to the video.

Subject: Cheap Cuttings 4 U Replies: 13
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 758
 
Thanks for offering these cuttings for newcomers, Charles...
It's helpful especially when we're learning how to successfully grow them into trees, as that's probably not the time yet to splurge on more rare/expensive varieties!

Subject: Finally finished.... Replies: 6
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 143
 
JoAnn, thanks for sharing about your progress, it is inspiring!
Hopefully this will be an easier year for you, with a lot of good gardening. Btw, those are some hardy little fig plants!

Subject: OT - Very painful injury Replies: 77
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 809
 
Thinking of you, Dennis, and hoping for a full and speedy recovery!

Subject: The Best Unknowns? Replies: 42
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 905
 
Quote:
Hello, Joy!  I got close to going over to my friend's old house but didn't get the opportunity.  I will go and I'll post it here!  By the way, I did remove that huge leaf from my Unk. Yellow Louisiana Heirloom.  Now it's getting another one!  Huh!


Hi Meg....Just found your reply, as I've had so much going on the past week, have hardly had any time on the forum, which I miss! I did try calling the lady with the fig tree, but haven't been able to get ahold of her yet. However....I've been considering "dropping by" with concealed trimmer in hand to see if she would be open to sharing a couple of cuttings! :) Also, I plan to offer to trade some of my extra ones (also goji etc.) with her if she wants.

You're braver than I would have prob been with the huge leaf! It's good to hear that it's getting another so quickly. It sounds like a vigorous and determined figlet, and I'm looking forward to hearing if this variety produces any figs this year for you. Hope things go well when you get the opportunity to get by your friend's old house...

Subject: The Best Unknowns? Replies: 42
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 905
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smyfigs
Paully: There are many, many fig trees in So Cal. Lots of immigrants from all parts of the world come here. My friend from Morocco had a tree in her back yard that no doubt was at least 50 years old. The figs were a beautiful green almost yellow and had a berry flavor. This is what I remember from 20 years ago. She sold the house about 10 years ago and I have since lost track of her but I recall the street where she lived and have been intending to go there, ring the bell with hopes the owners havent chopped it down. To be continued...


Meg, that sounds like a delicious  and unusual fig! Looking forward to the continuation...:)

I still haven't had a chance to go by to check out the unknown near me, due to the continuously inclement weather. Just yesterday had between 4-6 inches of snow on the ground, and now with sleety rain coming down. But later today a nice streak is supposed to be starting, so I hope to contact the owner sometime this week.

By the way, today I noticed the first tiny leaf buds on two of your cuttings. Very exciting!
How is your LA Unknown with the super large leaf coming along?

Subject: The Best Unknowns? Replies: 42
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 905
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smyfigs
Hi, Joy! So glad that the Un BT are going well. I have all my unknowns going right now too! I have Daisy's, Amber's, Sheepshead, and I also bought an Unk Louisiana yellow vatiety that has ONE huge leaf, which is so much bigger than all the others. I'll post a picture tonight. Not sure, should I cut off that humungous leaf since it has no roots yet? Please tell me what you think I should do.


Your unknowns look like they're doing well, Meg! :) And that leaf is amazingly large for the cutting not having roots yet. I don't think I would cut it off, but maybe someone more experienced could chip in with pros and cons.

Right now, I have a bunch of mulberry cuttings that are really leafing out. These are in bags (Mai's method), clear cups, and also grouped in a gallon planter with plastic humidity bag over the top. There are no roots visible at all in the containers where they could be seen through the sides. So I did some research and found that the opinion is held by some that leafy growth can promote root development, which I hope is true! I also have some fig cuttings that are showing leaves without apparent roots.

This is a great thread, btw...

Subject: Development of cuttings Replies: 14
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 375
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ortegojeffrey
I guess I'm curious if the new growth will stunt root devopment and if I should remove the new growth.


Can't recall where I read it, but the opinion is held by some that the growth of leaves actually encourages root development. I'm rooting not only figs right now, but also mulberry cuttings. These are all near a window with plenty of light. (I do pull a sheer curtain if there is any direct sun coming in.)

As a beginning figgy, one thing that I've found out the hard way is that keeping young cuttings too wet can kill them quickly.

Also, when you get ready to remove the humidity bags, it would probably be good to gradually increase the time without the bags, so the leaves aren't stressed.

Subject: The Best Unknowns? Replies: 42
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 905
 
Quote:
More and more, the discovery of a new fig tree in a different city has become a sort of "treasure hunt" for me. The beauty of the find is of course its fruit. And also, that it will always be, to some degree, your very own unique fig. An unknown forever! How cool is that?


Meg, I love how you put this! You're right, it feels like a treasure hunt for me, too.

Right now, I have no camera in order to share pics, but can describe a few Unknowns I am working with.

The Unk BT cuttings which I got from you are in moss, and i'm going to be transferring them to Mai's bag method within a day or two, as I spotted small root buds on a few of them. Yay!! I'm so relieved because when I received them, on top of the regular shipping time, they had actually had to spend days stored somewhere because there was no delivery possible due to the deep-snow blizzard we had.

The first cuttings I received from here on the board are Unk type and although they were very challenging to root, two are now doing well. One has large leaves developing that look similar to Celeste, but the root structure is completely different, as well as the look of the cuttings themselves.

The Unk Sheepshead is developing sturdy and really attractive leaves, which are very different from the other types of figs I have here also leafing out.

And I also have CB1 Unk NC cuttings which are rooting. I'm very excited about these in part because the mother tree is a beauty.

Can't wait to try the fruit from all of these...

Subject: OT - Chinese Seeds Replies: 6
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 163
 
Exciting! It would be great fun to plant them and discover what they turn out to be. And you're right, any number of trees, bushes, etc, can be grown as bonsai. On Ebay, I recently saw a beautiful example of a miniature mulberry tree trained in this way, with fruits that were about the regular size.

Maybe it's the sender's way of wishing you a happy Valentine's day! :)

Subject: New figgy from across the Atlantic Replies: 27
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 499
 
Welcome to the forum, Stormy... Your greenhouse is just wonderful and plants obviously flourishing! Your unknown fig tree is beautifully pruned, too. It looks almost as nice without leaves as it will fully decked out.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring photos with us :)

Subject: Velcome to my labOratOry Replies: 25
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 468
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smyfigs
Hi, Inkinbrushes: Well, the status is...with my first batch I lost about 4 cuttings using the Sphagnum moss method because it was really difficult to control the moisture. Mold was a challenge as was keeping them moist. Lost 3 or 4 pieces (halves). I then switched all cuttings to the perlite in cup method where they did fine but they were really slow in growing roots. It was painful to watch. Lost anoter 3 or 4 pieces with this method. Next, I bought a heat mat & T5 grow light, potted the same cuttings in soil & put them near my back door. They are doing good so far! I still water them with worm tea and add castings to the soil as well. I think I only lost two pieces here. For my 2nd batch I bought a cloner. I'm not handy with tools or I would have enjoyed making one. After a few weeks only a few had roots but most were mushy. Next, I trimmed the mushy ends and switched all cuttings to Mai's bag method. This was last week. Today, they all look good so I am HOPEFUL for these :-)! And next week I will start another batch but I have decided that the Mai bag method is my favorite method. It just feels more controlable and likely to be successful for me. By the way, I also tried the wet papervtowel method and i think I was too impatient early so I abandoned that one too. Fig rooting teaches patience:-)


Meg, I can really identify with your experimentation with different techniques, challenges and learning along the way! And yes, fig rooting does teach patience as in some cases, I've probably slowed progress by not being able to leave them alone long enough, lol.

Subject: Recycled Window Greenhouse Project Replies: 13
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 376
 
Beautiful greenhouse and plants! I especially like old windows used in projects like this, and you placed them in a visually pleasing way. Very nice and inspiring..

Subject: Brown Turkey Cuttings Trade Replies: 58
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 1,036
 
Meg, you're right, the two figs in the photos do look amazingly similar.

Subject: FIRST LSU FIGLETS Replies: 5
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 161
 
Lovely figlets and tree, Lou....It's amazing how early some of these produce. Think of us when those figs ripen and you get to eat them :)

Subject: Bag Rooting Techniques Replies: 108
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 4,080
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lolita1234
Quote:
Originally Posted by LJFiggy



I do have a question....Have you ever used your technique with mulberry cuttings? Some people say they are pretty easy to root, while others find it really difficult to nearly impossible. There are also many different techniques, as with figs, but I do think it sounds like mulberry cuttings are more tricky. 



LJFiggy,
I am positive that it will work with mulberry cuttings . 
never say the word IMPOSSIBLE . everything in this world is possible if you are ... bold enough 


Thank you!! :)

Subject: rust on new cuttings Replies: 16
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 314
 
Rust on plants is a fungal problem, so I did a little reading on possible remedies.

Colloidal Silver, which I get inexpensively in concentrated form (will give link if you want), to dilute with water, is strongly anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and safe. I have used it for as long as I can remember for myself and my pets. I've successfully used it on every kind of infection, pinkeye, food purification, etc. A little CS mixed with water in small spray bottle could be misted over the leaves.

Another idea is hydrogen peroxide, diluted with water and misted over the plants. This would also be plant and human safe, and should take care of the problem. The HP would even boost plant growth if used in watering.

Subject: Bag Rooting Techniques Replies: 108
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 4,080
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lolita1234

Thank you, Grant ! that method not only works but it saves you a lot of room  

I use it for anything . I had hard time rooting Guava (the one with huge fruits) from cuttings . Usually people grow them by seeds, but it takes 3 years for the plant to bear fruits . Recently I bought a tree on Ebay with red pulp . I took some cuttings and amazingly they are rooting ! With plant coming from cuttings , it will have fruit within a year, same taste as the fruits of the mother tree .



As a complete newcomer to growing figs, I've been using your technique with very good results, also. And I'm really grateful that you shared it with us!

I do have a question....Have you ever used your technique with mulberry cuttings? Some people say they are pretty easy to root, while others find it really difficult to nearly impossible. There are also many different techniques, as with figs, but I do think it sounds like mulberry cuttings are more tricky. Someone is sending me some precious ones and I want to be sure they root!

Thank you, Mai..

Subject: Brown Turkey Cuttings Trade Replies: 58
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 1,036
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smyfigs
So! Yesterday I got a call from the owners of the "Not so much like a BT" tree near my home. He said, cone over tomorrow and get some cuttings! These people are just so nice. The wife Collene had home-made ginger fig jam, plum jam AND dehydrated figs waiting for me!!! Unbelievably kind people. In return, i am giving her a plumeria cutting, lemons, corn seeds and my Mary Washington asparagus seeds :-). He cut and I kept picking up :-) It's been a great day and not just because I got free cuttings but because I was touched by the kindness of others who dont even know me. As with people here on this group who have beren so very kind to me (THANK YOU!), I am truly blessed!! I have a good batch of cuttings maybe for 10 people. I know i promised 4 people cuttings so I have enough for another six who want for them fir price of postage. First come...


What a wonderful experience with the owners! They sound truly kind and giving....
The weather here has gone from rain to bone chilling cold for a few days, but it's supposed to be warming up at which time I WILL go on my own first fig tree expedition. I haven't forgotten our (hopeful) trade!


Subject: Saved Brooklyn Tree - Unknown Sheepshead - Community Growlog Replies: 120
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 2,707
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sppsp
I checked on my cuttings today. I was excited to see two cuttings have small roots and I just put them in cups. (sorry I didn't snap any pictures).


Yay, yes this is exciting.... i'm glad for you.

Subject: Saved Brooklyn Tree - Unknown Sheepshead - Community Growlog Replies: 120
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 2,707
 
Matt.. thanks for the encouragement. I hope to be getting a camera soon in order to record visual progress, too. Yes, the Sheepshead is a strong grower and survivor, which is especially good for me due to current inexperience.

It sounds like you are going to have a lot of trees going soon!

Subject: Saved Brooklyn Tree - Unknown Sheepshead - Community Growlog Replies: 120
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 2,707
 
Danielle, your plants are just beautiful and healthy looking. Big brother and sister Sheepshead, and even weedy cousin :), are strong growers. I don't know anything about Salce variety, and will have to look it up. But I have also experienced those cuttings with the extremely delicate roots and tendency to mold issues. Your Strawberry Verte are coming right along, too.

I have cut back on the misting of the new cuttings fresh from humidity bags....Also, I have tried to periodically mist with h peroxide when I do, in order to avoid the fungal issues.

For me, the LSU Purple have been the most amazingly vigorous of growers, putting out literally bunches of roots as well as leaves. Sheepshead are also doing well with their lovely emerald green leaves. LSU Gold seems much less vigorous, and how I hope at least one of the two will pull through! Celeste has been putting out heavy and strong white roots, and is now starting to leaf out....i have no doubt that there will be multiple hardy Celeste trees resulting. There are Unknown cuttings that I got from another board member which are now starting to swell buds and root out. And remaining in the humidity bags are a lot of cuttings, most of which are vigorously leafing out. But I still see no root development evident through their small bags. This does make me nervous....and I will wait to see roots before bringing them out. The few that had burned leaves still have green buds evident, so I have great hope they will continue despite this setback.

I confess to periodically checking them all daily, and even touching their leaves and wishing them well....

Your eau de cat scented leaves made me LOL.....haven't you noticed a nice, rather floral scent coming from some of the leaves?? hehe You're right, the cinnamon definitely gives them spice.

The weather here has taken a cold turn, and the temporary plant room here is warmest in the house. I went out and bought another small heater to get through the low teens expected. Can't wait for spring...Thanks for sharing your photos, love seeing all of them.

Subject: Freeze those figs! Replies: 17
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 376
 
Your figs look so delicious, Paul, I can only imagine at this point! :) Thanks for the good tip as to how to preserve future harvests.

Subject: Head snap Replies: 7
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 210
 
Looking forward to hearing positive updates, Dave...what a will to live and thrive! That tree deserves to continue on.

Subject: My Healthy Desert King trees Replies: 27
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 1,064
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chucklikestofish
Quote:
Originally Posted by baust55
I ORDERD  a little DK  .... to be delivered in the spring , watching the snow fly .




Maybe in 5 years ................................................. ha



Thanks Dennis


~where did you order from ? desert king airlayers the best for me. i bought a desert king tree from wellspring nursery(actually i have bought three diff trees from them already),all came very small ,but all grew really well and healthy,~


It's encouraging that your small trees from Wellspring Nursery grew well! I have a "crop" of those myself, including a DK, and have hopes for them. It's just a little hard when you're looking at fragile little twigs for trunks. Most of the rooting cuttings look stocky in comparison! How long did it take for yours to gain some size?

Subject: Saved Brooklyn Tree - Unknown Sheepshead - Community Growlog Replies: 120
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 2,707
 
I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better!....

It sounds like you have some strong little Sheepshead trees coming along, and that they are nearly out of the woods, so to speak, as far as cuttings go.

Out of all the double bagged cuttings that I have rooting, two of the Sheepshead showed evidence of at least a little rooting visible through the root bags, and healthy leafing out. There was also an LSU Purple (vigorous rooter), and Celeste~ I took all four of these out of the large humidity bags and put them near the window and grow light. At this point, i'm misting them every few hours because they are still delicate from being in their little greenhouses. I hope it's not too soon for them to be out.

One thing I discovered that constituted a close call was that I had noticed some browned leaves on several of the cuttings in the big bags. I couldn't figure out what was wrong because I air them out every day, etc. Yesterday afternoon I came in to check on them and discovered that sun from the window was directly shining on the bags, and I'm pretty sure this was too strong because not only was this afternoon sun, but the bags must have amplified the heat some. So I quickly moved them to a more shady spot and hope they will all be okay. I now suspect that the brown leaf edges were caused by sun exposure. Whew, I never thought raising these little ones to adulthood would be so tricky!

Cinnamon powder is also a strong deterrent against the fungus gnats. I put a thin layer of it over the DE in every planter, because for one thing I like the natural earthy color better, and it also adds additional protection. I'm guessing they don't like getting their little feet in it!

And even in the big humidity bags, I sprinkled a bit of cinnamon because it's a mold/fungus inhibitor. The one that had housed the cutting with "fur" around its middle smelled faintly moldy, but after I sprinkled in a little cinnamon, that hasn't been a problem. I get organic cinnamon powder in bulk inexpensively online.

The food grade DE that I use was a good price through Amazon; think I got about three pounds of it, but a little goes a very long way, and a half pound or pound would probably be plenty for your plants for a long time. Let me know if you want me to look up the brand I purchased.

Subject: Ponte Tresa @ $415 at ebay Replies: 69
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 2,411
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by FMD
John, I understand and appreciate your perspective. I believe that one can be a great contributor to the fig community and at the same time buy and sell fig material at ridiculously high prices. Our mutual friend Rafed is a great example of that. In any field, you will find a full spectrum of views and endeavors. The only bad guys in all of this are the intentional scammers we've seen on eBay. By the way, I have Rafed's Genovese Nero and Ponte Tresa cuttings in a $7 lotto on the other fig forum as we speak. The tickets are selling fast.


How do we get into that lotto?...I've never done any good with that kind of thing, but maybe it would be a first!

Subject: Ponte Tresa @ $415 at ebay Replies: 69
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 2,411
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by baust55
When I was a child there were no fresh figs.......I was told I could not grow them .

So I did it anyway eventually .

Like all the  things I was told I couldn't do .


 ..wait there are still No fresh  figs here .

except the ones I grow .

thanks to all here that helped .

I am painfully thrifty .





....


Inspiring, love this....

Subject: Fresh cut plum cuttings from 46 year old tree for shipping Replies: 32
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 402
 
Chuck, that video is really great, i'm going to try his suggestions, and am also going to watch some of the other suggested videos. Thanks so much, I appreciate it.

Jamie, you're welcome :)

Subject: OT Growing Mushrooms Replies: 51
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 1,033
 
Wonderful thread! This is renewing an interest from a couple of years ago to grow mushrooms, instead of just foraging for them. I've collected wild mushrooms of all types (very carefully identified) for as long as I can remember. Lion's mane, oyster, fairy ring, puffballs of various types, meadow, morel, bolete, inky cap, etc. For years I dreamed of finding Chantrelle, and either Hen or Chicken of the Woods! Part of the fun is hunting and finding them, but growing would have its own advantages. I'm keeping this info so that when getting more settled in a permanent location, will definitely want to look into it further.

Meg, maybe you could edge some of your growing areas with small found log pieces, or place a couple behind a shed or at the edges of your backyard.  Behind your vigorously growing fig trees! :)

Subject: Fresh cut plum cuttings from 46 year old tree for shipping Replies: 32
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 402
 
Jamie, thanks for the interesting and helpful information!... I wonder if some of these techniques would work for mulberry trees, too, and will probably be trying them to see if they do.

Subject: Re cutting required up-potting Replies: 12
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 148
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by adipose
I checked pro-mix's site and got the ingredients for HP vs. all purpose.  They are similar but HP seems to hold water longer, and there is fertilizer in the all purpose. Somewhere on here someone listed the ratios of all the common mixes.

HP:
    Canadian sphagnum peat moss (65-75%)
    Perlite
    Limestone
    Wetting agent
    MYCORRHIZAE™ PREMIER TECH (Glomus intraradices)

All purpose:
    Canadian sphagnum peat moss
    Peat humus
    Perlite
    Limestone
    Controlled release fertilizer
    MycoActive™ Organic Growth Enhancer (Mycorrhizae)



Thanks adipose, very helpful! These ratios can be guidelines for creating our own recipes, especially if we already have leftovers to use up.

Subject: A tree for sale on Craiglist Replies: 43
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 736
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lolita1234
The lady owner said 10 years, but I do not think so 


How old do you think the tree is, and why? Thanks for your interesting account and photo :)

Subject: Probably Fluoride in my tap water, that is Killing my Cuttings..... Replies: 26
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 907
 
Big Berkey.. I love mine. I wouldn't drink unfiltered water, or give it to my pets or plants either. The city water here smells like chlorine and who knows what else is in it.
When possible, I also collect rainwater for all my houseplants, or those plants indoors for the winter, figuring that this would be best and most natural for them. I just put a bucket outside, and then it can be stored in plastic gallon containers.

Subject: Pomegranates Replies: 48
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 4,738
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bass
Robert, I understand that you want a very cold hardy pomegranate and ripen early. Most pomegranate will ripen in October even in California. 
There are varieties that do ripen in August but they are not particularly hardy. Not much studies been done on cold hardiness, just crazy gardeners who want to give things a try like me. I know that Salavatsky has grown and produced well for me. It will ripen before frost for my area, end of September last year until late October. As far as I know no one have grown pomegranates in ground in similar cold area or colder. 
If you want to grow pomegranates in containers than you can choose any varieties. 
I had wonderful pomegranates that I planted in pots and in ground, the ones in ground died, the potted one grow, but didn't bear well. I did have other pomegranates that had over 15 fruit in a pot. 
Salavatsky was much sweeter and excellent flavor, the seed crunch is about similar to the wonderful, they're not very soft but edible.
 
[salavatski5]
 
[salavatski6]
 
Bass


Bass, I know this is not the point, but those are artistically beautiful photos/fruit! From the blue background color playing off the fruit, with green sweater, ornamental fruit base, and clear deep red covering over the seeds... makes me want to get the brushes and paint!

Subject: fungus gnat help Replies: 38
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 766
 
This sounds like a good product. I like the fact that it's organic and actually feeds the plant while killing the gnats.

I use diatomaceous earth, along with a few other gnat-discouragers, but (although it's more a cosmetic issue) don't really care for the look or feel of the white powder over the soil. This neem cake blends right in, which is nice, but most importantly that it also has worked for you and others....Thanks for making and sharing the video.

Subject: Floral scented leaves Replies: 25
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 311
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jodi
Oh yes to helping ourselves and the furr babies with loving energy, nourishing foods, etc. Even after teaching at a healing arts school for 15 years , I had no idea about all the amazing healing properties of the fig fruit, leaves, trees. It has just been since I met my figgy friend Daisy and her amazing IBT that this fig world has opened for me. I think LJfiggy you posted the link about all the fig magick. After I studied more about them I went looking for leaves in Phoenix where there are still green ones on the trees. The tea from the tree I found in Phx is incredible. ;-)


Pino, your post made me lol.

Jodi, it's wonderful that you've taught at a healing arts school for that many years. I'm sure you've heard of the late Ann Wigmore, whom I have studied a lot, and admire. She would take her freshly juiced wheatgrass freely to ill and bedridden people and saw amazing results. She also lived in a farmhouse with garden where people in ill health could stay and recover their health through raw foods, juicing, sprouting, etc. Inspiring account of AW:
http://www.encognitive.com/node/4200

Actually, I don't believe I was the one who posted the link you mentioned, but I did find a very interesting article on the nutritional benefits of figs:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=24
The author lists figs as one of the world's healthiest foods with benefits including lowering high blood pressure, cardiovascular support, prevention against macular degeneration,  etc.

It was also interesting to me in finding out that figs and mulberries are related, as I have long had a great interest in growing and foraging for mulberries. And mulberry leaves (and fruits) have important health benefits, too.

You know, come to think of it~ when I am able to harvest fig leaves, I'm definitely going to experiment juicing them (just a couple leaves per batch) with different fruits and veg's such as my carrot/apple juice.

So can you describe what your Phx fig leaf tea tastes like?? :) ...and were you able to get any cuttings from that tree?

Subject: chicago hardy rooting pictures Replies: 19
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 302
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chucklikestofish
Quote:
Originally Posted by LJFiggy
Very nice roots! What method did you use?
~i just used reg peat moss from the farm store it comes in 2cu ft bale,and i soak it in a bucket of water,it is very dry in the bale. then wring it out until your knuckles are white ,you got to wring it out well. then i use the walmart plastic shoe boxes. i layer them in there covering with the damp moss. i then place it on top the freezer .and thats all i do. reg surgham peat moss,i have used the long fibered or green moss and like it well too.


I appreciate the tip of wringing out the moss so thoroughly, and think this is the answer as to why I struggled with rooting in this way. It was probably just a little too wet.

Subject: Floral scented leaves Replies: 25
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 311
 
Supermario1, i'll have to try those out for scent when possible, and see how they compare with the LSU Purple! :)

Jodi, I'm a great advocate of natural healing with foods, and have seen nearly miraculous results in not only my own body, but in others lives, and also in my loved pets over the years. And as I've worked in animal rescue so long, there are many times their lives have absolutely been saved with nutrition, the right herbs, and supplements.

The health benefits you learned of from fig leaves are good to know, and to use....I think it's just wonderful that you are using the leaves already, as I will be as soon as mine are large enough.

You know, that scent really is a little similar to a natural, much better smelling version of those vanilla-type candles!

Quote:
I am having such fun watching every little move my new lil figlets make.  A severe case of the fig bug for sure.  ;-)  


This cracks me up....exactly what i'm afflicted with! And you know, at times they seems to show new growth nearly every couple hours! And that is the state of my affliction :)

Subject: chicago hardy rooting pictures Replies: 19
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 302
 
Very nice roots! What method did you use?

Subject: Saved Brooklyn Tree - Unknown Sheepshead - Community Growlog Replies: 120
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 2,707
 
Hope you are able to take good care of yourself and feel better soon....glad your figgies are doing well.

Today the clip on lamp, bulb, and large Ziploc bags arrived from Amazon, so I set up the lamp in the room with one of my heaters. Next I transferred all cuttings from makeshift box with saran covering I had put together (due to not having the large bags yet). I covered each of their little root bags with newspaper as Mai recommended at this stage and placed them into three smaller cardboard boxes- each then enclosed in a large bag. Any water from condensation will be absorbed by the cardboard box, so no cuttings are resting in it.

While transferring, I was able to really look them over well. Out of the sixteen or so bagged cuttings, all but about three are leafing out well. I saw thick healthy roots through several through the bags, yay! The two Unknown Sheepshead cuttings i'm rooting are both leafing out.

Out of all the cuttings, one showed absolutely no signs of anything, and another had a ring of mold around its middle. This I cleaned off with peroxide, and hope I can save it.

Now they all look happy in new greenhouse bags, where they will hopefully stay until ready for gallon pots. Whew, these baby trees are an effort of love and learning.

Please keep us updated on yourself and figgy family.....

Subject: Floral scented leaves Replies: 25
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 311
 
smatthew, that is an interesting thread on OurFigs... some of the responses were pretty comical, too. I would have to admit that I definitely sniff not only the leaves, but the cuttings themselves. And when I get fruit, will without a doubt- right along with admiring its appearance and taste!

Subject: Floral scented leaves Replies: 25
Posted By: LJFiggy Views: 311
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cis4elk
Many fig leaves can have a pleasant aroma, similar to coconut. I mostly notice it when the leaves are immature, but it often returns in the fall after the plant pulls most of the chlorophyll from the leaves. These are the leaves that I like to collect and dry in the fall for tea, they keep for over a year.
On the other hand, many fig trees also have leaves that smell like cat urine. Sometimes in the fall cat urine can mystically become coconut, crazy magic..who knew?


Collecting and drying the leaves in the fall for tea is a great idea. I'm definitely going to do that myself. Without doubt, the tea would be very healthy and I would imagine very good with a spoonful of honey.

Cat urine, lol. If you saw my pets, you would understand the humor. Actually, I did think I noticed an odd smell on some of the cuttings, similar to cat urine. Well, I would definitely wait until any such leaves reverted to coconut scent again!

I sniffed the little LSU Purple leaves again after reading your post, and there really is a hint of coconut there....mixed with the floral scent. Nice.