My First Air Layer

[jmaler]

I set this air layer around July 9th. The tree was heat dormant with a few figs so I avoided watering for fear of souring the figs.

The air layer showed no signs of root growth for the months of July and August. Around the latter part of August or the first part of September I started watering the tree for aout 8 hour a day every Monday. Within three waterings the tree started pushing new growth. Shortly afterward roots started to show up on the air layer.

Yesterday, I cut the layer and potted it up. It will reside indoors until next spring.

This experience was fun and educational and so rewarding for me. I learned that unless the tree is in a growth pattern the air layer will not produce roots. I plan to do more air layering next spring.

[Iowafig]

Nice work.. What tree did you air layer? Should be a nice tree.

[jmaler]

Since this was my 1st air layer I thought I would practice on a not so in demand tree with lots of branches that are destine to be pruned next spring. It is a mature White Texas Everbearing that measures about 15 feet in diameter and 12 feet in height.

Now that I have a little confidence I will be setting air layers on some of my more in demand varieties such as the LSU ones and the Galicia Negra. I know I paid too much by normal human standards for the GN, but it was an air layer with a 3/4 inch trunk and 2 or three side branches that will be future air layers.

Can you tell, I am really excited about this air layering thing?

[Iowafig]

I have air layered citrus trees but not figs. I hope to do some this someday when my cuttings become trees. Thanks for showing us your success air layering.

[kingoceanos]

I noticed what looked like bags of miracle grow, how do you like it compared to other brands? Better, worse are just cheaper?
Thanks

[jmaler]

I buy MG Garden Soil in spring from Lowe's when they have sale on 1cu @ 3 for $10. I go for the smaller size becaust a 72 years old they are easier for me to handle. Otherwise, I use Lowe's private label garden soil or tree and schrube soil. I am not sure plants can tell the difference.

Last week I picked up a large bag of Locococo from ACE. It looks nice. I plan to try it for my tomato starts in a 5 or 6 weeksor so. Also, I have fig seeds just germinating that will soon need to go to 4" pots.

[figgrower]

Great job!

[kingoceanos]

Thanks for the info, I'm not ready to go to the smaller bags yet myself. I've seen a lot of people posting that they hated miracle grow so that's why I wanted to know. I haven't been to an Ace hardware in forever, since the big box stores have opened in my area, there are still a few around it just will take a little longer to get to them. I'm interested in the Locococo that you mentioned so I will have to check it out, might be a better alternative for my needs.
Thank you.

[jmaler]

Locococo....I sure messed this up. The actual product is Foxfarm Coco Loco Potting Mix, 2 cu ft size @ $20 bucks @ ACE. It most likely can be found from other sources.

Here is a short clip explaining the ingredients which I could not find on the bag, but I may be the one who is loco here.

foxfarmfertilizer.com/index.php/item/bush-doctor-coco-loco.html

[Charlie]

Most hate MG because it comes complete with fungus gnat eggs and/or larvae or both.

[kingoceanos]

Ha,ha,ha too funny, thanks for the correction. That seems like a good price, I'll take a look.
Thank you.