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View Full Version : Banana Insulating tube for winter


RandyGHO
08-10-2012, 02:59 PM
Any thoughts on my zone 8b, In ground, banana winter protection.
Right now my plan is to build an insulation tube to slide over my banana plant. Here is a link to the product I am looking at at Lowes.
Shop Insulfoam 1" x 4' x 2' R-3.85 Insulated Sheathing at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_41336-10477-1X24X48+R-TECH_4294858106__?productId=3033248&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=)

I think I want to build the tubes by taking two of these, cut in half lengthwise then glued to make a tube about 1 foot sq and 4 feet long. I figure I could then add them in 4 foot sections. A string of Christmas lights go inside of that.

PR-Giants
08-10-2012, 08:41 PM
I know nothing about this subject, but find it interesting.

What do you try to keep alive the corm, P-stem, or also the leaves ?

What temperature is needed to keep it alive.

RandyGHO
08-10-2012, 09:24 PM
I hope to keep alive eight feet of the stem with no leaves. On the very coldest night I should be able to hold 35F.

PR-Giants
08-10-2012, 10:42 PM
There are probably a ton of flaws in my first idea.
Wrap the P-stem with a hose and hook it to a crude geothermal heat pump.
I don't know where your frost line is, but maybe it is not too low.
Mid 50's is a little warmer than 35.

sunfish
08-10-2012, 10:57 PM
Here you go

http://www.bananas.org/f15/still-think-tx-star-cant-handle-6051.html#post52906

RandyGHO
08-11-2012, 05:31 AM
The ground hardly ever freezes so the frost line is only a few inches. I have to protect my citrus every year so I feel sure this should work.
Thanks Tony. I had found that before. That is some serious cold
I will try to build a 4 foot section pretty soon just to see what building problems to expect like glue and UV exposure.