View Full Version : When do I uncover them?
Darkman
02-03-2011, 06:48 PM
When the first freeze was expected I secured my bananas inside a two foot diameter wire cage that I wrapped with plastic and then filled with leaves. The top was twisted together and sealed.
So when do I release them? My concern is that they may be decaying in my mini compost piles. What are your thoughts?
Oh some of the leaves were bone dry and some were damp. None were wet.
bananarama2
02-03-2011, 08:04 PM
As long as there is a threat of frost or cold temperatures in you area, keep a minimum 2 or 3 inch of dry mulch over your bananas. Once you get a steady nightime temperature on the plus side of freezing for a week or so, it's generally okay to "expose" the growing tip of your plant to the elements. Just keep an eye on the weather for any surprise dips in temperature below freezing. It's pretty much like hardening off seedlings before planting out. Slow and easy makes the day!
It sounds like you have a dandy little wintering over house for your 'nanners but it wouldn't hurt to have a peek & see how damp / wet things are in there.
I keep mine buttoned up 'till danger of frost is over & night time temps are consistently above 40°f at an absolute minimum.
Your mileage will no doubt vary with your local soil & air humidity conditions; out where I'm at it's usually dryer than a popcorn fart but in your neck of the woods the dampness could cause mischief if not allowed to breathe on the warmer days.
Have a peek & if everything looks good, button it back up for at least a couple-few more weeks. (but who can really tell with this whackie weather we've been having?)
Dean W.
02-05-2011, 12:04 PM
Sounds likes some good advice, Darkman.:lurk:
palmtree
02-05-2011, 01:15 PM
I would unwrap them when the weather is warmer (around mid 30s at night and mild in the day) leaving some mulch and then completely uncover it after a week above 40. By April they should be more then ready to see the elements.
Darkman
02-07-2011, 11:22 AM
We have cold temps predicted for this coming weekend. After that I'll take a look.
Thanks,
schmaltz~herring
02-17-2011, 07:41 PM
I uncovered mine today since it's been in the 60's here in GA.
Darkman
02-21-2011, 11:08 AM
I'm waiting till next Friday. I hope I don't regret waiting. We will see!
Darkman
02-23-2011, 06:58 PM
OK I couldn't wait anymore.
I thought this was a Raja Puri but it may be an Orinoco. This one was protected solely with bags of leaves piled on. The three photos show the unveilng.
Why did I go ahead early? Check out the new growth that pushed throgh the bag.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40447&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40447&size=1 border=0></a>
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40448&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40448&size=1 border=0></a>
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40449&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40449&size=1 border=0></a>
Not bad. it looks a little rough but I think it will recover quick.
I'll have some more unveilings later.
stevelau1911
02-23-2011, 07:43 PM
I plan on just waiting well into May to see if the forecast is clear of freezes. Last year there was a major freeze in late may where it got down to the mid 20s which is enough to really set musa basjoo back.
Hopefully mine survived and will start pushing a leaf through the leaves by some time in May.
Darkman
02-23-2011, 08:36 PM
Unwrapping the Lady Finger. Here she is all wrapped up and hopefully ready to come out. You can see that I put bags of leaves around the base for extra protection. I don't know if it was needed but maybe other unveilings will teach me something. I did many of them different to try various ideas.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40452&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40452&size=1 border=0></a>
I tried something else different with this one and I didn't think it would last. I sealed the top with a stretch bag. I thought it would rip during the winter but it has held fast and could still be used. I occasionally dumped water that collected in the top. That may be the reason for the settling. The water weight may have pushed it down.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40451&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40451&size=1 border=0></a>
Here is a shot of the inside. You can see the settling as it was full when they went to bed.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40450&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40450&size=1 border=0></a>
The plastic wrap is being removed. I was able to get about two turns with this wrap. Overall it was fairly dry inside so I guess I didn't need to worry about rot, fungus and mildew. I actually think it is dryer than when I shut it up last fall. The banana may have used some of the moisture.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40456&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40456&size=1 border=0></a>
The wrap is off and you can see the tomato cage holding in the straw.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40453&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40453&size=1 border=0></a>
The cage is off and the Lady Finger is back to pre winter levels. Just in time to as I will be setting out tomatos this weekend and I'll put the cages over them soon after that. They will be used to protect from late frost and freezes. Sure looks rough but I believe that this one will have a headstart on the ones that were unwrapped. Opps here is the kicker. In my zeal I did not leave one unwarpped. LOL
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40454&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40454&size=1 border=0></a>
A closer shot shows that the new leaf was broken probably during the cage removal. Looking rough but after I trim it up and wait a week I think it will look better.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40455&ppuser=7611><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40455&size=1 border=0></a>
Well only a little time will tell. The setup and undoing probably takes an hour per plant mostly the setup. I noticed that some of the bags of leaves were almost composted. In the article that I read that suggested this way it was recommended to put some fertilizer in the bags to actually feed the composting cycle and to build heat inside the bag. I did not do that this year. The bags contents will be spread around the bananas and dug in around other plants in the garden.
More unveilings to come.
enigma99a
02-26-2011, 05:26 PM
June 20. Spring is not coming haha
Jose263
02-26-2011, 06:04 PM
Darkman - looks like your nana plants faired well - congrats.
how about your citrus?
Darkman
02-26-2011, 06:49 PM
Darkman - looks like your nana plants faired well - congrats.
how about your citrus?
The bananas have been trimmed of brown now and they are growing fast. I need to put some fertilizer, fish emulsion and compost on them. I'll post some pics after they have been uncovered for two weeks.
The citrus I have planted had no damage but that is my grapefruit and kumquat so no surprise there. I am going down to pick up about twenty new citrus plants from near Tallahasse in a couple of weeks. I tilled my planting area last week. I bought seven yards of HOT chicken manure compost that I will spread and till in next weekend. I'm running about four weeks behind.
I looking forward to fresh veggies this year especially tomatos. I bought 16 Celebrity plants today. It was all they had. I want about 20 more and 20 or so of the Sweet 100.
Dean W.
03-11-2011, 12:08 AM
Darkman, how has the weather been?
Get any more growth?:bananas_b
Darkman
03-11-2011, 12:44 AM
Darkman, how has the weather been?
Get any more growth?:bananas_b
Except for a rather vicious line of thunderstorms that passed yesterday the weather has been very good.
I received four Xie Shan Satsumas today and will plant them out tomorrow.
For me I believe the cold is gone.
Dean W.
03-11-2011, 12:55 AM
That's what I'm starting to think here to.
Good growing to you!
auburnfan28
03-11-2011, 09:32 AM
Glad yalls cold weather is gone. We got down to 33 here last night in central alabama. My basjoo's are trying to get off to a headstart, so i covered them up with 55 gallon drums and i think they are ok. Forecast low of 37 for tonight, then 40's and 50's for lows for the next 10 days, so hopefully tonight will be the last night in the 30's.
drew leonard
03-13-2011, 05:54 AM
ROLLLLLLLLLL....TIIIDE....ROLLLLLL!
Congrats on your 2nd National Championship.
TommyMacLuckie
03-13-2011, 09:04 AM
I didn't cover any bananas this winter. Coldest it got this January was 22 (last January 18). So far Orinoco are emerging, Velutina are out and Bordelons have started. Dwarf Cavs are starting brand new - they never make it through a winter as far as the 3-5 foot tall ones, they always go for some reason.
That's quite the cover for that little banana! You could make it a little easier on yourself by just putting a 100 watt light bulb in there for when it gets below 32 instead of all that pine straw.
Darkman
03-13-2011, 06:18 PM
I didn't cover any bananas this winter. Coldest it got this January was 22 (last January 18). So far Orinoco are emerging, Velutina are out and Bordelons have started. Dwarf Cavs are starting brand new - they never make it through a winter as far as the 3-5 foot tall ones, they always go for some reason.
That's quite the cover for that little banana! You could make it a little easier on yourself by just putting a 100 watt light bulb in there for when it gets below 32 instead of all that pine straw.
First year attempts! I look at the rersults and make next year protection decisions. It might get exspensive with 100w bulbs seeing as I protected 13 plants last year.
NJ Banana
03-14-2011, 12:52 PM
I think my nanas want out of their bubble wrap. One already broke through and the others are not far behind him.. Live in Central NJ and it looks like our night weather should not be in the freezing but will be very close.. Do I let them out? The warmest looks like 70 soon and I don't want to cook them as It feels warm to the touch inside of the wrap.. It is 2 bags of mulch stuffed tight and then wrapped up in the bubble.
Adam
I'm in Sacramento & just uncovered the "outside bananas", the biggest concern is going to be mold for a lot of folks, it's a fine line between danger of frostbite being over & letting the critters breathe enough to start getting healthy again.
I kept the "wire baskets" handy in case we have to throw a blanket over them, hopefully that'll be good enough for most areas.
99 cent spring clamps from Harbor Freight holds the blankets in place & allows fast & easy access.
A 100 watt light bulb is enough to cook a pizza!
I save the foam sheeting from packing materials, it makes a great insulating blanket.
Grocery stores get frozen food delivered to them that often comes in large foam & foil "bags" that can be cut open into sheets; wrapping a stem with the old-style x-mas tree lights (non-LEDs) throws off plenty of heat & allows for a much smaller volume that needs to be kept warm. Cover plant & x-mas tree light arrangement with the insulated bags & things will stay toasty & inexpensive to run.
Marinemom
03-15-2011, 12:53 PM
Counting the days down here in Western NC for warmer temps at night~ Last year I uncovered March 22 and had to recover twice cause of dipping temps.
Mine are wrapped tight with Christmas lights (small, clear ones with 3 strands per clump of bananas), old carpet batting for excellent insulation, an old cut up solar pool cover around that and a huge black trash bag on top to keep water out. So far, two have poked thru the trash bag and hubby has had to replace them. Lowest temp for this week looks to be 37, but with mine being so tall now, I know I won't be able to just run out there and recover in the event of a cold snap, so I will leave mine covered until maybe the first of April.
Can't lie~I did uncover one of the smaller ones, maybe 4 feet and it has already grown an inch, maybe more!!!!!! It is much easier to recover than the 10 foot ones...
...What is the lowest temp a Musa Basjoo can survive without any damage? And if I did uncover them now, with any cold snaps, could I just keep the lights on to keep the stem warm?
Happy Early Spring!!!!!:goteam:
MarineMom in NC
NJ Banana
03-15-2011, 02:21 PM
Marinemom,
I did a horible job last year protecting mine. I just cut them down and put 6" to 8" of mulch on them. Needless to say they where just mush. On April 1st last year I had seen a pup start to peek out of the mulch (If you remember we got hit with a beautiful week in the begining of April).
I left on the 1st for Florida for 10 days and the pup was about 2"-3" tall. When I got home it was already 18"-20" tall and I had about 20- 22 pups just between 3 dead plants. I know last year that week would have been a no brainer if they where covered.. This year is a bit risky.. I am going to be at 70 on Friday but will still have a couple of 34-35 degree nights.. I can not imagine they would get that damaged from only a night or 2 exposure to a 34-35 degree night...
Anyone else have any luck removing wrap early?
Adam
Marinemom
03-17-2011, 09:49 AM
Good Morning all!!!!! I couldn't wait any longer and uncovered mine just this morning.
It is above 40 at night for the next week or so and the day temps are in the 60's and 70's, with a few days in the lower 80's!!!! Anyway, they all did fine, except for one, which I was experimenting with~maybe 3 feet tall, just covered it up with some carpet padding and a black trash bag on top...needless to say it was mush all the way to the ground and then some...
But the tall ones are beautiful and actually have some green leaves coming out!!! I will leave the Christmas lights on for some heat just in case it drops to freezing~
Good luck to everyone with the spring uncovering~:goteam:
Marinemom in NC
NJ Banana
03-18-2011, 08:17 AM
Hope I posted the pics right..
Well I had one breaking through the plastic and we are supposed to get in the 70's today in central NJ so I thought it best to uncover them. Most had a mushy/slimy top (I cut off 6-8"). All had some mushy/slimy outsides so I peeled off until I got to firm Green skin.
It took about a half an hour for them to "ALL" start showing growth. Each one grew about 1/2" in half of an hour.. Things are amazing.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_20110311_065419.jpg
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_20110318_081947.jpg
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_20110317_181844.jpg
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_20110317_181823.jpg
saltydad
03-18-2011, 01:15 PM
I uncovered my basjoos 3 days ago. Nothing new coming out of the ground yet.
Linda_GER
03-23-2011, 10:22 AM
I uncovered the Basjoo today. Too early, of course, but the next few days will be too warm and sunny to leave the plant under its protection. Fortunately, this is the only Basjoo that I left outside this winter. Has it survived - what do you think?
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41011><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41011&size=1 border=0></a>
eric27
03-23-2011, 10:31 AM
I usually uncover my basjoo end of March beginning of April. I checked it last week. I could only see about 6 of the 10 or 11 in there. 5 were growing. One (the one I hoped to flower this year) showed signs of the dreaded center rot. I cut it back a bit and it has grown since but I have had ones in the past do the same but then stop.
Linda_GER
04-20-2011, 01:32 PM
It`s growing! :) Seems to be no problem to overwinter a Basjoo with minimal protection. Nevertheless, I wouldn`t do the same thing with my taller ones. Itīs too sad to lose the p-stems.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41011><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41011&size=1 border=0></a>
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41972><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=41972&size=1 border=0></a>
saltydad
04-20-2011, 06:02 PM
My basjoo mat (unprotected) in the front has started sending up shoots! The larger parent mat in the backyard still shows nothing, but its in a cooler location. Love M. basjoo!
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