Log in

View Full Version : Winterization


Abnshrek
10-07-2013, 10:08 AM
Most effective method.. :^)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=51638&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51638)

This is my least favorite method.. I prefer Heat-taping my outdoor banana's since there is no bulbs to replace it just works. Wrapping the banana is basically same method with a much more reliable heater in a heat-tape.

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IMAG0221_zps73da1f50.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IMAG0221_zps73da1f50.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IMAG0220_zps8c8f09e6.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IMAG0220_zps8c8f09e6.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IMAG0223_zps8e1ca181.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IMAG0223_zps8e1ca181.jpg.html)

An Namwah I wrapped up.. Now this was fun.. believe you me.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IC011212_zps17de7381.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IC011212_zps17de7381.jpg.html)

Unwrapped Feb 23rd last year and lost this stem to frost..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IC022313_zps408850e3.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IC022313_zps408850e3.jpg.html)

Of course it recovered nicely.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IC072513_zpsf0d3feb8.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IC072513_zpsf0d3feb8.jpg.html)

This is a DC after unwrapping in 2010, I had it wrapped in trash bags filled w/ straw and wrapped w/ a heat-tape.. This is my 1st and last DC flower (flowered in 10 months).. It rotted in place.

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DCflower2wpups190510_zps252da594.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DCflower2wpups190510_zps252da594.jpg.html)

robert0514
10-07-2013, 03:16 PM
I'm usually forced to do the method with lights, works quite often for me. Also the picture of the DC is very intriguing, if I am correct is the flower coming straight out of a 2ft pseudostem.

Abnshrek
10-07-2013, 03:36 PM
The Dc Choked hard as you can see there was more stem..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/BigDCwbulge_zps3990173e.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/BigDCwbulge_zps3990173e.jpg.html)

Here's the flower exposed.

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DCFlower_zps4b43a212.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DCFlower_zps4b43a212.jpg.html)

Fingers exposed

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DCFlower010510_zpsb7263fda.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DCFlower010510_zpsb7263fda.jpg.html)

Flower / Fruit demise..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/CigarEndRott2_zps965f8873.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/CigarEndRott2_zps965f8873.jpg.html)

edzone9
10-07-2013, 06:56 PM
AB must admit you have a great technic for winterizing !..
Amazing they still fruit under those conditions .

P.s. nice size front yard !:08:

crazy banana
10-07-2013, 08:36 PM
Very nice job! Do you mind sharing where to get the heat tape? Cannot find it at HD or Loewes...

Abnshrek
10-07-2013, 08:44 PM
Very nice job! Do you mind sharing where to get the heat tape? Cannot find it at HD or Lowes...

I don't what the length you need but its always better to have to much than not enough so I get the longest one I can get.. They used to have 40ft'ers, but only carry 30' now days @ Hoe Depot-online.. If you get 2 they ship for free.. :^)
Frost King 30 ft. Automatic Electric Heat Cable Kit-HC30 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-30-ft-Automatic-Electric-Heat-Cable-Kit-HC30/100196471#.UlNe8xBgudU)

crazy banana
10-07-2013, 08:51 PM
Nice. Thank you. They do not have it in the stores here in SoCal, but I should have checked the websites.... Want to try this...

Mj
10-08-2013, 05:31 PM
Question from a first time banana grower in zone 7 (Tennessee). I was given a small tree in the spring and thought I'd see how it would do. It's now about 8 ft tall with a couple of 5 ft shoots. They've become a nice looking little family. I'm not growing them for fruit but do want them back next year. I've seen several in the area come back year after year after being cut back and mulched. My question is: Should I cut them before first frost or let them die down naturally and then cut them back. I really don't want to dig them up. Although I do have a large crawl space I could use if I have to.

Abnshrek
10-08-2013, 05:48 PM
I don't know what type you have (you can post a pic and someone should be able to narrow it down)? I have Orinoco's here that I don't do anything till spring.. IE trim leaves off and trim back a bit.. :^)

Mj
10-08-2013, 11:20 PM
Sorry, Don't know the type. That's a picture of my tree by my name. I don't ever see any banana trees here through the winter, though.

Mj
10-09-2013, 12:03 AM
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252
{\fonttbl\f0\fswiss\fcharset0 Helvetica;}
{\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\g reen255\blue255;}
\deftab720

\itap1\trowd \taflags0 \trgaph108\trleft-108 \trbrdrt\brdrnil \trbrdrl\brdrnil \trbrdrt\brdrnil \trbrdrr\brdrnil
\clvertalc \clshdrawnil \clwWidth9000\clftsWidth3 \clmart10 \clmarl10 \clmarb10 \clmarr10 \clbrdrt\brdrnil \clbrdrl\brdrnil \clbrdrb\brdrnil \clbrdrr\brdrnil \clpadl0 \clpadr0 \gaph\cellx8640
\pard\intbl\itap1\pardeftab720\qc\partightenfactor0

\f0\fs22 \cf2 \cb3 \expnd0\expndtw0\kerning0
\outl0\strokewidth0 \strokec2 http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54857&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54857&ppuser=17336)\cell \lastrow\row}

Abnshrek
10-09-2013, 08:53 AM
Can anyone help MJ out? I think the plant needs alot more mulch if its going to stay out where it is..
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54857 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54857&ppuser=17336)

Mj
10-09-2013, 12:46 PM
Actually, Abnshrek, I haven't mulched it yet. We probably still have another month of fall weather. The elephant ear in front winters over ok. The boston fern is potted and will come inside. I had planned on cutting the banana stalks to about a foot and covering them with a couple of feet of straw. Thats what most in this area do. ( I'm in Knoxville, TN) I don't know if I should cut it before it freezes or wait till it turns brown.

Abnshrek
10-09-2013, 04:35 PM
Actually, Abnshrek, I haven't mulched it yet. We probably still have another month of fall weather. The elephant ear in front winters over ok. The boston fern is potted and will come inside. I had planned on cutting the banana stalks to about a foot and covering them with a couple of feet of straw. Thats what most in this area do. ( I'm in Knoxville, TN) I don't know if I should cut it before it freezes or wait till it turns brown.

Mulch helps hold water during the summer.. It breaks down pretty fast, but I think it helps feed the plants as it breaks down, whether that be due to worms, Rollie-Pollies, termites, etc.. eating it up and leaving good stuff behind.. :^)

blownz281
10-09-2013, 05:45 PM
Basjoo

Mj
10-10-2013, 12:55 AM
Thanks. It looks like you're right from what I can see.

Duckfood
10-10-2013, 07:23 AM
( I'm in Knoxville, TN) I don't know if I should cut it before it freezes or wait till it turns brown.

The answer, in my opinion, is somewhere in the middle... I'd wait until the first freeze and then chop... I would not wait "Till it turns brown"...

Mj
10-10-2013, 08:43 AM
Thanks. Will try that.

designshark
10-10-2013, 10:29 AM
Looks like a basjoo to me too. It should be fine no matter which method you choose. I'd wait 'til frost too before doing anything.

Abnshrek
10-14-2013, 06:55 AM
Very nice job! Do you mind sharing where to get the heat tape? Cannot find it at HD or Loewes...

Here is a 40' Heat-Tape and 3 bucks cheaper than Hoe Depot.. :^)

Easy Heat Inc AHB-140 40' Auto Heating Cable (http://www.drillspot.com/products/302895/Easy_Heat_Inc_AHB-140_40_Auto_Heating_Cable?s=1&gclid=CJbSoOSb-rECFWRgTAoduXoArw)

While I'm @ it what is the best Frost Cloth you have used?

KYpalmer
10-18-2013, 10:24 AM
Here is a 40' Heat-Tape and 3 bucks cheaper than Hoe Depot.. :^)

Easy Heat Inc AHB-140 40' Auto Heating Cable (http://www.drillspot.com/products/302895/Easy_Heat_Inc_AHB-140_40_Auto_Heating_Cable?s=1&gclid=CJbSoOSb-rECFWRgTAoduXoArw)

While I'm @ it what is the best Frost Cloth you have used?

That's awesome..........but on my newly purchased 2 acres, we dont have electricity yet HAHAHAH

Abnshrek
10-18-2013, 12:16 PM
That's awesome..........but on my newly purchased 2 acres, we dont have electricity yet HAHAHAH

You going to build them an earth home w/ a sky light? :^)

KYpalmer
10-18-2013, 12:31 PM
You going to build them an earth home w/ a sky light? :^)

hahahaha. i will do the hoop house effect with two layers of 6mil plastic and throw in some mulch and stuff.

Abnshrek
10-18-2013, 12:32 PM
hahahaha. i will do the hoop house effect with two layers of 6mil plastic and throw in some mulch and stuff.

They need some mulch anyways.. right :^)

KYpalmer
10-18-2013, 12:37 PM
They need some mulch anyways.. right :^)

yeah we put some mulch on this summer to hold in moisture and in hopes of it breaking down while we build our compost bins up (which is doing good)

Abnshrek
11-09-2013, 08:14 PM
Well with the weather coming its time to put my small one's in the storage room w/ T-12 5k lighting.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/AMF2110913_zpsad4f55ba.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/AMF2110913_zpsad4f55ba.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/AMF110913_zps359a389c.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/AMF110913_zps359a389c.jpg.html)

My big one's will be in by COB Tuesday evening.. They have T-5 and T-8 5k lighting.. :^)

crazy banana
11-09-2013, 09:06 PM
Here is a 40' Heat-Tape and 3 bucks cheaper than Hoe Depot.. :^)

Easy Heat Inc AHB-140 40' Auto Heating Cable (http://www.drillspot.com/products/302895/Easy_Heat_Inc_AHB-140_40_Auto_Heating_Cable?s=1&gclid=CJbSoOSb-rECFWRgTAoduXoArw)

While I'm @ it what is the best Frost Cloth you have used?

Frost cloth: I use the Agribon 19, which is thick enough to protect my plants from early morning hour frost, but not too thick if it gets warm during the day. It also lets enough light through. The coldest night temperatures last winter were 28F, so the Agribon 19 was sufficient. If it gets colder where you live, you might want to go with the Agribon 30 (4-6 F frost protection) or the Agribon 50 ( up to 8 F protection).

Abnshrek
11-09-2013, 11:10 PM
Frost cloth: I use the Agribon 19, which is thick enough to protect my plants from early morning hour frost, but not too thick if it gets warm during the day. It also lets enough light through. The coldest night temperatures last winter were 28F, so the Agribon 19 was sufficient. If it gets colder where you live, you might want to go with the Agribon 30 (4-6 F frost protection) or the Agribon 50 ( up to 8 F protection).

I have not used frost cloth, just test driving it this year.. I might try it on established plants but young one's I just am not taking a chance when it comes to cold.. I have 3oz for my banana's and the frost covers for my citrus.. :^)

Abnshrek
11-10-2013, 06:00 PM
The 1st step in putting a 13' stemmed banana to sleep for the winter.. See if I can get them banana's thru the winter.. Can't see the flower no more.. Hell I'm almost camouflaged.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/MeladderWI111013_zps979e4a91.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/MeladderWI111013_zps979e4a91.jpg.html)

crazy banana
11-10-2013, 06:03 PM
On a 6' ladder? Careful!!!��

Abnshrek
11-10-2013, 06:31 PM
On a 6' ladder? Careful!!!��

No a 21' ladder folded in half.. :^)

crazy banana
11-10-2013, 06:34 PM
No a 21' ladder folded in half.. :^)

OK, you made me worry for a moment ;)

Abnshrek
11-10-2013, 06:54 PM
Caligold ready for the cold that's coming.. Veinte Cohol ready to seek shelter.. The non Goldfinger in the corner (L) will get stuck in a pot tomorrow.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IMG_4227_zps40d6881a.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IMG_4227_zps40d6881a.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
11-11-2013, 11:24 AM
Frost cloth: I use the Agribon 19, which is thick enough to protect my plants from early morning hour frost, but not too thick if it gets warm during the day. It also lets enough light through. The coldest night temperatures last winter were 28F, so the Agribon 19 was sufficient. If it gets colder where you live, you might want to go with the Agribon 30 (4-6 F frost protection) or the Agribon 50 ( up to 8 F protection).

My frost covers are Agribon + whatever that # might be? I know they seem thicker and more heavy-duty than 3oz. frost cloth.. that's all I know.. I don't wanna know what a 15'x 250' roll of Agribon + would run.. :^)

Abnshrek
11-11-2013, 02:13 PM
This is my cold weather test.. S. Ark Orinoco w/ just frost cloth..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/OrinocoAr111113_zpsbe311dd7.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/OrinocoAr111113_zpsbe311dd7.jpg.html)

I think the whole stem will survive.. we'll see.. :^)

Abnshrek
11-11-2013, 10:11 PM
Namwah bundled up..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Namwah111113_zpsab67d6cf.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Namwah111113_zpsab67d6cf.jpg.html)

White Iholena...

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/WhiteIholena111113_zps36b781b0.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/WhiteIholena111113_zps36b781b0.jpg.html)

I lit a fire under them.. as a pretest.. 13' Glow in the Dark BoogieMan.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/PreliteSnowGhosts111113_zps9fc78eec.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/PreliteSnowGhosts111113_zps9fc78eec.jpg.html)

crazy banana
11-11-2013, 10:33 PM
My frost covers are Agribon + whatever that # might be? I know they seem thicker and more heavy-duty than 3oz. frost cloth.. that's all I know.. I don't wanna know what a 15'x 250' roll of Agribon + would run.. :^)

I bought mine last year at Agriculture Solutions LLC (http://www.agriculturesolutions.com)
Good prices and quality, so I will still be able to use it all again this upcoming winter.

sunfish
11-12-2013, 12:08 AM
I will never again wrap or heat another plant so it will make it through winter. Plenty of plants to grow that don't need protection

Abnshrek
11-12-2013, 01:02 AM
I will never again wrap or heat another plant so it will make it through winter. Plenty of plants to grow that don't need protection

Does that include bringing plants in from the elements? :^)

Abnshrek
11-12-2013, 07:08 PM
Just some I did today..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1207_zps845ac586.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1207_zps845ac586.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1208_zps68b0bc26.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1208_zps68b0bc26.jpg.html)

4 in a row.. can't see the Sweetheart..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1206_zps9d533561.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1206_zps9d533561.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1209_zps19189ccd.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1209_zps19189ccd.jpg.html)

designshark
11-12-2013, 10:25 PM
Do I sense paranormal activity around your house or is Halloween runnin a little late around there?

:nanadrink:

Abnshrek
11-12-2013, 10:29 PM
Do I sense paranormal activity around your house or is Halloween runnin a little late around there?

:nanadrink:

None of them are lit so, I think we're good.. Might be Banana Goolies..

My test in La.. is the Ice Cream ( not Namwah) w/o a heat-tape in the last pic.. all by itself.. :^)

designshark
11-12-2013, 10:40 PM
I admire your work. I'd do the same if I could but we're freezing up solid here tonight. Got my basjoos stuffed and tarped probably until April. I was able to harbor some nice pups though, their almost as tall as me! I miss the tropical landscape already.

Abnshrek
11-12-2013, 10:45 PM
I admire your work. I'd do the same if I could but we're freezing up solid here tonight. Got my basjoos stuffed and tarped probably until April. I was able to harbor some nice pups though, their almost as tall as me! I miss the tropical landscape already.

Thanks.. I hear you its a shame.. Most of my work was done since I have several in stages of fruiting so figured mize well go for it.. I do know the Agribon + frost cloth I purchased is better than the 3 oz. premium I purchased so we'll see how well it works.. Its already freezing in S. Ark..

Abnshrek
11-13-2013, 04:01 PM
Well it got down to 29F this morning in S. Ark.. 35 mph winds knocked off one of my covers it won't do it again, believe you me.. Leaves on the White Iholena are only slightly burnt I think the Christmas lites and heat-tape are the only reason they aren't toast.. The banana's look fine.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/WhiteIholena111313_zpsf23b3c1d.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/WhiteIholena111313_zpsf23b3c1d.jpg.html)

merce3
11-13-2013, 10:39 PM
^what is this heat tape that you speak of?

Abnshrek
11-13-2013, 10:47 PM
^what is this heat tape that you speak of?

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Heattape_zpsc2d6cae1.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Heattape_zpsc2d6cae1.jpg.html)

Easy Heat Inc AHB-140 40' Auto Heating Cable (http://www.drillspot.com/products/302895/Easy_Heat_Inc_AHB-140_40_Auto_Heating_Cable?s=1&gclid=CJbSoOSb-rECFWRgTAoduXoArw)

If you only need a 30'er Home Depot.com is reasonable.. I got some on sale last week for $36.. :^)

Abnshrek
11-17-2013, 10:29 AM
An Orinoco w/ bunch hangin'.. This one is like a Present you have to wait till Easter to open up.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Orinoco111713_zps56fa1eac.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Orinoco111713_zps56fa1eac.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
11-18-2013, 11:57 AM
Namwah I need to redo the frost cloth, so I thought you might like to see how well the 3oz. Frost cloth works after this one took 24F for several hours. Glad it doesn't get that cold normally. It has a slight burn, but not anything major. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Namwah111813_zps36a7b75e.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Namwah111813_zps36a7b75e.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
11-23-2013, 04:27 PM
Well I think this one if it weren't so close to popping I'd clip the top.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/BogMothah112313_zpsaaf8d7f7.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/BogMothah112313_zpsaaf8d7f7.jpg.html)

I had to break out Bubba tree to see how I can retrofit it.. :^)

Snookie
11-23-2013, 07:56 PM
I had to break out Bubba tree to see how I can retrofit it.. :^)

Yea Neighbor

U better quit screwing around with those Banana plants and put up that Christmas tree lol

I got my helper over thru Thanksgiving weekend to help me put mine up on Black Friday instead of spending money on SO CALLED deals:}

http://www.halloweenmart.com/media/core/FO58168_SEXY_SANTA_GLOVE.jpg

Abnshrek
11-23-2013, 08:17 PM
Yea Neighbor

U better quit screwing around with those Banana plants and put up that Christmas tree lol
I got my helper over thru Thanksgiving weekend to help me put mine up on Black Friday instead of spending money on SO CALLED deals:}
http://www.halloweenmart.com/media/core/FO58168_SEXY_SANTA_GLOVE.jpg

Yo Pimp I might need some help putting up some Christmas Lights for my Banana's.. I might need a helper too.. :^)

Snookie
11-23-2013, 08:34 PM
Yo Pimp I might need some help putting up some Christmas Lights for my Banana's.. I might need a helper too.. :^)

Awe yeah no problem:}

I don't want U hurting yourself putting up the tree so, let me know which helper U want:}

I have approx. 6-7 other choices but they are already booked...I may have a few cancellation though. If so I'll get back to U.

We take Paygal lol

http://newsblaze.com/pix/2008/1205/pix/Ringcardgirls.jpg

Abnshrek
11-23-2013, 08:42 PM
Awe yeah no problem:}
I don't want U hurting yourself putting up the tree so, let me know which helper U want:} I have approx. 6-7 other choices but they are already booked...I may have a few cancellation though. If so I'll get back to U.
We take Paygal lol


Well that sounds like a good deal as long as they don't show up looking like this.. :^)

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs10/i/2006/118/c/6/Old_Hag_by_MonsterPappa.jpg

Snookie
11-23-2013, 08:44 PM
Awe NEVER

I just PM'd you a cancellation that came up for the holidays:}

Abnshrek
11-23-2013, 08:45 PM
Awe NEVER
I just PM'd you a cancellation that came up for the holidays:}

Now your talking Fred.. Who wants to see what the helper looks like? :^)

Hammocked Banana
11-24-2013, 01:57 AM
Ill bite....I do!

Snookie
11-24-2013, 07:13 AM
Ill bite....I do!

Trust me YOU DO!

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTRZRYc4FgQJmgLByYcgg0ClN9vF8K2h1NJagQIJznB-7RNb-yA

Abnshrek
11-24-2013, 06:15 PM
Trust me YOU DO!

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTRZRYc4FgQJmgLByYcgg0ClN9vF8K2h1NJagQIJznB-7RNb-yA

I don't think we could post that here.. :^)

robert0514
11-26-2013, 02:17 PM
Well last weekend I managed to finish my winter protection for my nanners. Will get some pics at the weekend as outside is dark whenever I'm at home. :'(

Abnshrek
12-01-2013, 05:15 PM
Caligold ready for the cold that's coming.. Veinte Cohol ready to seek shelter.. The non Goldfinger in the corner (L) will get stuck in a pot tomorrow.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IMG_4227_zps40d6881a.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IMG_4227_zps40d6881a.jpg.html)

Checked the Banana's up here in S. Ark since they did see the most cold this fall (down to 22F). The frost cloth w/ a heat-tape and Christmas lights has them looking fine. I don't use Christmas lights in N. La. Of course due to current weather the banana's have not gotten any bigger, but it happens this time of year up here.. :^)

Abnshrek
01-11-2014, 03:50 PM
Why do you leave so many pups on a mat?? Answer is Insulation..
Mother Corm & Stem is solid as a rock after being covered in frost cloth and heat-taped and taking 10F.. Pups will recover after getting trimmed back so no worries.. This is my Namwah.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1317_zpsc911ae49.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1317_zpsc911ae49.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1315_zps2f059c69.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1315_zps2f059c69.jpg.html)

Pups on East-side fared much better than the West-side..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1316_zps658587ea.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1316_zps658587ea.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1317_zps5faee83f.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1317_zps5faee83f.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
02-23-2014, 09:34 AM
Well I'd say we have a greater portion of Winter behind us and I still have 3 hands in fine shape.. For those us in the South Frost cloth and Heat-tapes is a viable way to get hardy banana's thru the winter to see some growth in the Spring minus a power outage.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/RP022314_zps40cc4069.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/RP022314_zps40cc4069.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
03-13-2014, 02:56 PM
Well after taking 9F w/ a heat-tape that I forgot to tape to the trunk that ended up bunching @ 4' of the 12' stem; of course it was covered w/ frost cloth. I cut the top back 6" or so. Now the pups took a big hit, but its all good. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Namwah031314_zps182e92a4.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Namwah031314_zps182e92a4.jpg.html)

Hammocked Banana
03-14-2014, 12:22 PM
So it fruits inside the stem?

Abnshrek
03-14-2014, 01:54 PM
So it fruits inside the stem?

No, it will grow out. What I did was like topping it.. :v)

Hammocked Banana
03-14-2014, 02:24 PM
Ah good to hear. Hard to see from the pic but it looked like a flower stalk in the middle.

Abnshrek
03-14-2014, 06:20 PM
Ah good to hear. Hard to see from the pic but it looked like a flower stalk in the middle.

No, just rolled up leaves.. :^)

Lawler
03-14-2014, 11:04 PM
Abnshrek... how's that purty Raja Puri doing? Turn brown? Any pups from last year still there? ...or waiting for pups?
Did she hang solid during these last 2 freezing blasts?
:coldbanana: Did wrap her -the RP? ...or no need?

I know... I know ...I'm that one w/ lots of ?s :D

Abnshrek
03-15-2014, 12:42 AM
Abnshrek... how's that purty Raja Puri doing? Turn brown? Any pups from last year still there? ...or waiting for pups?
Did she hang solid during these last 2 freezing blasts?
:coldbanana: Did wrap her -the RP? ...or no need?

I know... I know ...I'm that one w/ lots of ?s :D

Not uncovering till Thursday.. :^)

Abnshrek
03-20-2014, 05:41 PM
I may have to cover this one up for Tuesday nite, but its all good.. Frost cloth & Heat-tape is on stand by.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Namwah032014_zps9bb66512.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Namwah032014_zps9bb66512.jpg.html)

Hammocked Banana
03-21-2014, 11:46 AM
Wow thats a good amount of pstem you managed to protect in this overly long winter. Should fruit fairly quickly for you. Thats the namwah right?

Abnshrek
03-21-2014, 09:49 PM
Wow thats a good amount of pstem you managed to protect in this overly long winter. Should fruit fairly quickly for you. Thats the namwah right?

Yes it is.. I think if it were not surrounded by pups it would be toast as cold as the winter was.. I hope it starts popping up come the end of next week after it warms back up.. The Caligold's are but its time to cover back up some stuff for Tuesday nite..

Abnshrek
04-21-2014, 11:38 AM
This a Sandwich panel house used to protect a Pindo Palm latitude 54, but I can see w/ a clear top might be able to be used for Banana's. Wind & cold or cold wind is a greater enemy of banana's in the winter than just the cold itself. A heat-tape inside this box cold be a good way to leave a banana in the ground for the winter.. Well not if you have a yard full of them but one mat wouldn't be out of the question for those folks in zone 6 & 7 to getting a chance of fruit from a dwarf hardy variety in their yard if the timing is right.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/PindoBarn_zps8a7e980e.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/PindoBarn_zps8a7e980e.jpg.html)

Hammocked Banana
04-21-2014, 11:57 AM
Several people on forums use a box like that to protect palms up north where I am, except they just use styrofoam insulation for the walls. That sandwich panel looks pretty thick though. I always kinda thought it would work for a good hardy nanner like a namwah or caligold since I've seen it work with CIDPs and mexican fan palms time and time again. Many can keep their temps right around freezing inside the box plus a heat tape on the stem, seems viable. I plan do use the 2'x2' styrofoam box method on my palms one day once they are a little larger, and may try with a nanner one day also.

Abnshrek
04-21-2014, 12:02 PM
Several people on forums use a box like that to protect palms up north where I am, except they just use styrofoam insulation for the walls. That sandwich panel looks pretty thick though. I always kinda thought it would work for a good hardy nanner like a namwah or caligold since I've seen it work with CIDPs and mexican fan palms time and time again. Many can keep their temps right around freezing inside the box plus a heat tape on the stem, seems viable. I plan do use the 2'x2' styrofoam box method on my palms one day once they are a little larger, and may try with a nanner one day also.

That's pretty brave considering the frost went 4 feet into the ground this winter up there. I don't know how that would work that far up north unless you had a in-ground heater as well to keep the soil around the corm & corm from becoming a victim to the elements that exist outside the box.

Abnshrek
04-21-2014, 12:56 PM
http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/PindoBarn_zps8a7e980e.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/PindoBarn_zps8a7e980e.jpg.html)

The fellow that has this says it takes 2 people less than 45 minutes to put this up.. I bet if it were a race they could do it faster.. :^)

Hammocked Banana
04-21-2014, 01:06 PM
This method seems to be pretty much bullet proof for palms with either heat tape or some c9 xmas on a thermocube inside. Even works with LED strip lighting for windmill palms. With a nanner, I would probably be inclined to burry a heat tape around the corm, to help keep the ground/corm from freezing. Not too much hopes of success on this one, that's why I'll wait till I have some disposables to practice with.

Abnshrek
04-21-2014, 01:45 PM
This method seems to be pretty much bullet proof for palms with either heat tape or some c9 xmas on a thermocube inside. Even works with LED strip lighting for windmill palms. With a nanner, I would probably be inclined to burry a heat tape around the corm, to help keep the ground/corm from freezing. Not too much hopes of success on this one, that's why I'll wait till I have some disposables to practice with.

Well whatever you practice with I'd make sure it was a ABB.. :^)

Hammocked Banana
04-21-2014, 06:14 PM
10-4!