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bencelest
01-15-2008, 12:35 PM
here's what I am building to have a protection for my dwarf bananas and priced citrus such as Joe's clemenule.
There will be a clear cover on top and during winter there will be cover on the sides.
I am also planning to add a gas line over for heating.
All the plants will be planted on the ground. It has a measurement now of 13x15x11 (height) but if I can buy another pergola I can double the area.
I just started so it's not finish yet- not yet level or the top is not installed.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7596&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7596)



Also, Here's my some of my bananas and citrus hiding in my patio. There are some yellow leaves because it's winter and because I made a mistake of cutting the matured leaves of my bananas to protect the p-stem.
As of 1/14/08


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7597&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7597)

Richard
01-15-2008, 01:22 PM
Soil temperature is a critical factor, and it cannot be controlled by surface heating. If the temperature difference between the air and the underground is too great the plants will become overstressed. The soil is one big heat drain which is accelerated when the soil is moist. Many a citrus tree has died in the local mountains this way. Consider using 65 to 100 gallon tubs for your fruit trees and an 18" high by about 3.5 x 3.5 foot square container for the bananas. You'll need an insultated mat underneath them.

Bananaman88
01-15-2008, 01:24 PM
That should be really nice when it's finished! Be sure to post the finished product.

bencelest
01-15-2008, 07:47 PM
Richard Thanks for a good info. What I plan to do is to raise the soil 1 foot adding mulch, sand, compost and steer manure and rototill the whole area. And that is a good idea heating up the soil also during winter.
I've already had some dwarf Brazilian planted on a corner and next to it is a California Gold. I may have a flower come spring time with my dwarf Brazilian.

Brent:
I sure will.
Here's how it looks after I put the top. But Plan to put polycarbonate sheets on top of it later on.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7598&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7598)

bencelest
01-17-2008, 05:39 PM
Day 3
Notice the dwarf Brazilian the taller one and a California gold on the left and some Bicol Calamondin on the right and a at center.
I'll add top soil next.
Notice also that the dwarf Brazilian leaves were fried due to cold temperature but the California gold have 80% of its leaves still green.
Next year they will all be protected.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7605&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7605)

microfarmer
01-17-2008, 09:17 PM
I like the pillars! Are you going to build pedestals (brick, stucco, rock, tile) for them? Did you cut the board ends or did they come that way? What will you use on your paths? Will you add removable side panels for the winter to close it into a greenhouse?

...just curious...:nanadrink:

Taylor
01-17-2008, 09:28 PM
Great job!

bencelest
01-18-2008, 01:23 AM
Microfarmer:
The whole set is a pergolla I bought on sale from Costco for half price. I've been looking for something that will protect my bananas and my delicate plants and that fits the bill. We always have a mild winter here but occasionally the tempts deep down to low 20's 2 to 4 times a year. None this year yet one low at 34. But normally the lows are low to high 40's.
I found out that as long as I have a cover on the canopy the banana leaves stay green all winter long. That's why I am looking now where I can buy clear polycarbonate sheets. If need be I can cover the sides with 6 mil clear plastics.
In the future I may regulate the temperature so I can grow more tropical plants like papaya and atemoya. I have an atemoya planted on the ground there right now and it is not loosing its leaves only the new buds dried out but the matured leaves are still green.
The pergola is 8 feet in height but I jack it up to 11 feet to accommodate my dwarf (future)bananas. I am planning to wrap the pillars the same round diameter with stucco. There will be no paths I plan.
On the 2nd thought , what you are saying is a good idea. Removable panels.
That I will think it over how it can be done. Thanks for the idea.
Do you have any other suggestion?

Thanks Taylor.

microfarmer
01-20-2008, 11:53 AM
Microfarmer:
The whole set is a pergolla I bought on sale from Costco for half price.
The pergola is 8 feet in height but I jack it up to 11 feet to accommodate my dwarf (future)bananas. I am planning to wrap the pillars the same round diameter with stucco.

I meant a base for the pillar framed out of wood, a bit larger than the pillar in diameter and square, not round, faced with brick, or stucco, or manufactured stone to provide a foundation for the pillars, not necessarily the columns themselves, stuccoed.

There will be no paths I plan.

It looks like paths between the raised beds. My mistake.

On the 2nd thought , what you are saying is a good idea. Removable panels.That I will think it over how it can be done. Thanks for the idea.
Do you have any other suggestion?

I was thinking maybe the same poly sheeting stretched on a lightweight redwood frame that hooks to the top beam of the pergola. It'd store nice and flat and go up and down quickly, and you wouldn't have to staple plastic to your uprights.

bencelest
01-20-2008, 12:41 PM
I meant a base for the pillar framed out of wood, a bit larger than the pillar in diameter and square, not round, faced with brick, or stucco, or manufactured stone to provide a foundation for the pillars, not necessarily the columns themselves, stuccoed.




All your ideas are really good!
Better than mine. And eaisier to built than what I was thinking.
I think I will adopt to your ideas Microfarmer.
Thanks!

Taylor
01-20-2008, 12:44 PM
NP Benny,
This will be cool to see turn out. It's like that want to grow Tomatoes year round...but Musa! Citrus too? Cool...(eating a Tangerine) :)

bencelest
01-20-2008, 12:54 PM
I was thinking maybe the same poly sheeting stretched on a lightweight redwood frame that hooks to the top beam of the pergola. It'd store nice and flat and go up and down quickly, and you wouldn't have to staple plastic to your uprights.

Microfarmer:

Here's another great idea of yours.
But I am lost when you say it will go up and down quickly.
My question is do I need fasteners to put it up? And what kind?
Will it be semi-insulated so the heat stays inside the structure?
And last, what' is your idea hooking them up on top of the beam?
Please I need some good ideas.
The structure is all aluminum.

bencelest
01-22-2008, 03:41 PM
Taylor:
I've been eating my harvested tangerines for 3 years now and I found out that the longer they grow the sweeter they get. But mostly satsumas.
I am planning to plant Clemenules from Spain in my plot and seedless Kishu my favorites. I will have also one atemoya there.

Greenie
01-22-2008, 04:45 PM
great work!!!

bencelest
01-22-2008, 09:20 PM
thanks Greenie.

Taylor
01-22-2008, 09:25 PM
Baby Blue (Gina) is trying to root me some Satsumas...but it hasn't worked so far :(

bencelest
01-22-2008, 09:32 PM
Taylor:
Satsumas are so common here in Calif and can be grafted to other mandarins easily or some other oranges or lemons.
If you want to learn how to graft PM me.

Taylor
01-22-2008, 10:08 PM
Ill PM you soon.:)

microfarmer
01-22-2008, 11:49 PM
Microfarmer:

Here's another great idea of yours.
But I am lost when you say it will go up and down quickly.
My question is do I need fasteners to put it up? And what kind?
Will it be semi-insulated so the heat stays inside the structure?
And last, what' is your idea hooking them up on top of the beam?
Please I need some good ideas.
The structure is all aluminum.

I don't think 6 mil polyethylene sheet on frames (or wrapped around the pergola) will do much for holding heat, but only enclose the pergola into a room and keep the wind out. You'd still prolly need to run a heater at night. It won't hold up to a lot of wind either.

For insulated clear polycarbonate panels on a frame you could use something like this... http://www.suntuf.com/images/PDFs/SUNLITE_F1200_2-07.pdf

Put a redwood frame around the panels with hooks on top (to attach to the top of the beams) and latches on the bottom (to secure the panels in place).

It should stand up to a pretty stiff wind, depending on the hardware you put it together with. When not in use in summer, the panels would take up a small amount of space in a corner of a shed. The multiwal sheet will insulate very well. Shoot Palram an email, and I'm sure they'd furnish you with a local supplier. This will hold trapped heat much better, and a heater may not be required. It's more upfront cost, but should last a lifetime.

bencelest
01-23-2008, 09:10 AM
ThanksMicro.
I just emailed pallram.

MediaHound
01-23-2008, 10:52 AM
Looks like a lot of work, but rewarding!

bencelest
01-23-2008, 11:24 AM
Jarred:
It's all FOR THE LOVE OF BANANAS!

bencelest
01-24-2008, 01:55 AM
It's been raining a lot lately and the forecast more rain for the next 5 days.
I covered the canopy with clear plastic and I put some of my bananas and citrus there temporarily. Enclosed with the teepee dome is an atemoya.
Note that the dwarf Brazilian on the background was fried because I put up the canopy after we had a cold spell.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7681&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7681)

High_Brix
01-24-2008, 03:01 AM
I like the looks of your project! Nice work! Did any of my pictures help you out?

bencelest
01-24-2008, 11:40 AM
Thanks High Brix.
Of course. Your pics inspired me to start my project. But of course the accumulation of data and pictures that I learned in this wonderful forum served me to inspire my project.
So you know who you are and I thank you all.

Taylor
01-24-2008, 01:51 PM
And yet the CG is fine? Please explain!
I put mine in the basement because I didn't believe the 'hardy' theories...this is the exact confirmation I need.

Thanks

It's been raining a lot lately and the forecast more rain for the next 5 days.
I covered the canopy with clear plastic and I put some of my bananas and citrus there temporarily. Enclosed with the teepee dome is an atemoya.
Note that the dwarf Brazilian on the background was fried because I put up the canopy after we had a cold spell.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7681&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7681)

bencelest
01-29-2008, 12:04 PM
And I got me some sand. Next is steer manure.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7759&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7759)

bencelest
01-30-2008, 12:45 PM
Taylor:
This is a guess on my part : Notice that the Dwarf Brazilian is taller than the rest? It was also open to the elements and no protection from the wind or dew so when the tempt dropped it got fried. This also created a micro climate to the benefits of the ones that are shorter.
I had that pergola installed AFTER the DB was fried.

bencelest
02-07-2008, 02:03 PM
I just got dumping the compost and the steer manure. Next will be course sand and pine bark and more steer manure. Any advice on what I should add more to the mix?
In the foreground is my rototiller. Once I got all the ingredients I will be ready to rototill the area.
I also found that I can get a bunch of bathroom glass sliding doors for $6 a piece. That made me think that those are good for cover on the roof. The glass can be remove from the enclosed metal.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7865&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7865)

High_Brix
02-07-2008, 02:36 PM
Your project is looking great, nice work!! I am excited to see the finished structure. Keep up the good work.

bencelest
02-08-2008, 01:08 PM
Her's the 1/4 " rock size I am putting in the mix instead of course sand.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7874&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7874)

And here's how it looks after I spread it in my plat.
Next will be getting small pine bark and steer manure. Then I am ready to mix them all with my rototiller. And then....

I am ready to plant my bananas.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7875&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7875)

bencelest
02-08-2008, 01:17 PM
High_brix:
Thanks for the nice compliment. I am also excited but I have a long way to go.
I am just shopping around where I can get the cheapest price. If I buy it at Home Depot, it's going to cost me a bundle.
It is better to buy them by the truckload.
Benny

Richard
02-08-2008, 02:59 PM
I think the 1/4 inch gravel is a good choice given what's underneath. Composted horse manure would be better than steer, but availability might be a issue for you. Be careful with uncured pine bark, it has a pH near 3. Mixing potash (or just ashes from real wood) directly with the pine bark is one way to buffer it. I would start with no more than a gallon per plat.

I'm jealous. You are at least 4 months ahead of me in your plat construction.

bencelest
02-09-2008, 12:16 AM
Richard:
I noticed that you seem to be very knowledgeable on a lot of things concerning maintenance of plants.
Fortunately I can do everything that you suggested. And I thank you for a very sound advice.
The steer manure that I have in mind are ones that you buy at Home Depot that are already composted. I already put 15 bags in my plat but I want to put an additional 20 bags on top.
I put already 3 wheel barrows of small chips of bark and a 3 cu ft of red wood chips and I have a whole bunch in a pile of wood chips on standby. I also have a pile of the 1/4 " rock on a separate pile ready to add.
I also own a very good pH meter to test the soil which is crucial in taking care of my citrus in pots and now bananas.
And... I have a wood stove that I burn scrap wood, paper and what I have and use the ashes to raise the pH of the soil. I also use battery acid to lower the pH when I have to. And as an alternate I have different fertilizers that can raise or lower the pH in the long term.
To raise the pH I use flowable lime.
Richard the Spring is right around the corner so I am in a hurry to finish my plat to plant my new bananas that I acquired during this Winter. I am lucky to have 3 teenagers helping me do this things otherwise I will be behind also.
I just want to conditioned the soil so when all frost are gone I will be ready.
Thanks again for good info.

Richard
02-09-2008, 12:59 AM
Benny, you are right on top of nutrition and in an admirably frugal way! It is wise to monitor potted plant pH since our southern California water tends to raise the pH over time. If you use a fertilizer that contains humic acids then this is not an issue. The GroPower brand works out to be about $14 per tree per year. If your tree produces sixty fruits each year then thats about 25 cents per fruit not counting the water bill. It would seem your solution is far cheaper.

bencelest
02-09-2008, 02:40 PM
Benny, you are right on top of nutrition and in an admirably frugal way! It is wise to monitor potted plant pH since our southern California water tends to raise the pH over time. If you use a fertilizer that contains humic acids then this is not an issue. The GroPower brand works out to be about $14 per tree per year. If your tree produces sixty fruits each year then thats about 25 cents per fruit not counting the water bill. It would seem your solution is far cheaper.

Yes, I always think of ways how I can grow my trees in the most cheap ways that I can. And to me when you say admirably frugal way, I just had to smile because you hit me right in the head.
And thanks for all the good info you are giving us.
Benny

bencelest
02-09-2008, 02:50 PM
Richard:
Here's the wood stove I am talking about where I can get ash to raise the pH of my soil.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7901&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7901)


And here's the progress of my project as of 2 9 08 I add the small bark chips and am about ready to spread some redwood bark soil conditioner I found laying around hidden in my yard.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7900&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7900)


Another angle to show the wood chips

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7902&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7902)

microfarmer
02-09-2008, 03:14 PM
Benny, be careful with the steer manure. Too many salts!

Chicken manure is a better bet, as is horse poop or bat poop. Don't forget worm poop. Also, bone and blood meal and kelp meal are good ammendments.

Richard
02-09-2008, 03:30 PM
The following data might be helpful: ;)

Manure, Guano, etc. N - P - K
(composted)
Cow 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.2
Steer 0.7 - 0.3 - 0.4
Horse 0.7 - 0.3 - 0.6
Sheep 0.7 - 0.3 - 0.9
Sea Bird 1 - 10 - 1
Chicken 1.1 - 0.8 - 0.5
Shredded Alfalfa 2 - 0 - 3
Rabbit 2.4 - 1.4 - 0.6
Desert Bat 8 - 4 - 1
High-Nitrogen Sea Bird 13 – 12 - 2

Of these, "Sea Bird" and "Chicken" have the worst profiles for banana plants.

bencelest
02-09-2008, 03:32 PM
Thanks for the warning Microfarmer.
Since I have not bought the steer manure yet I will switch then to chicken manure. Ther's not much difference in price.

bencelest
02-09-2008, 03:37 PM
Richard:
It looks like alfalfa and sheep is the first choice and horse manure and cow the second best. Now I can decide which is the cheapest. Thanks for all the good info guys.

microfarmer
02-10-2008, 10:02 PM
The following data might be helpful: ;)

Manure, Guano, etc. N - P - K
(composted)
Cow 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.2
Steer 0.7 - 0.3 - 0.4
Horse 0.7 - 0.3 - 0.6
Sheep 0.7 - 0.3 - 0.9
Sea Bird 1 - 10 - 1
Chicken 1.1 - 0.8 - 0.5
Shredded Alfalfa 2 - 0 - 3
Rabbit 2.4 - 1.4 - 0.6
Desert Bat 8 - 4 - 1
High-Nitrogen Sea Bird 13 – 12 - 2

Of these, "Sea Bird" and "Chicken" have the worst profiles for banana plants.

Source: http://www.frostconcepts.com/horticulture/Fertilizers_and_all_that.pdf

According to your chart, chicken manure has more N, but also more P and K, but not that much more of each compared to rabbit, bat, and hi-nitro sea bird poop. I don't understand why it is the worst profile...

Chicken manure also has less accumulated salts than steer manure. Regular sea bird poop (not hi-nitro) seems to be a good profile for phosphorus and not too much nitrogen.

None of them are perfectly balanced. To bring up the low K numbers you can add more kelp meal (fast release), wood ashes (a little slower), or greensand, or crushed granite (very slow release...like 5-10 years). For more P numbers, you can add bone meal, rock phosphate, or the sea bird poop (not hi-nitro).

Kelp meal (from cold water kelp) will also have all the trace minerals and elements. Warm water kelp meal may contain mercury so be aware.

All these numbers are estimates and the actual material you use may have more or less than the above stated graph. Go to 10 websites to compare and you'll find 10 different N,P, and K numbers for the materials listed. A good soil analysis will tell you what it is you're lacking.

chong
02-10-2008, 11:23 PM
Richard:
It looks like alfalfa and sheep is the first choice and horse manure and cow the second best. Now I can decide which is the cheapest. Thanks for all the good info guys.

Is it really the cheapest and more effective? Looks to me like going through all the math and all the effort to mix and match manure stuff, I would have thought that waiting for a sale on MiracleGro or MirAcid from the local Home Depot, Lowe's, or local garden supply store(MiracleGro-$9.49/10 lbs. on Sale, $14.99 Reg.; Vigoro $6.99/10lbs. on Sale, $9.99 Reg.) would be a lot more cost effective and convenient. Unless, of course, you're into this organic gardening stuff. And I wouldn't want to stop anyone from wanting to use organic stuff. But for economic and logistical issues, unless you have an unlimited source for the manure, I would question the practicality of going through the exercise of figuring which one is better to use, if you in fact will still have to buy and haul the stuff. And the mess!

It's a different thing is you have a convenient source at your disposal. If so, looking at the composition of the various manure products, one thing that stands out is that all of them are extremely lacking in Potassium. So, you'd still have to augment the material with it. If this were back home where I was growing up, all we'd do is burn a lot of leaves and grass and mix the ashes with the manure. Ah-h-h-h, but burning grass and leaves is no longer legal anywhere in this country, unless under certain conditions, but which still require a burn permit.

Richard
02-10-2008, 11:53 PM
According to your chart, chicken manure has more N, but also more P and K, but not that much more of each compared to rabbit, bat, and hi-nitro sea bird poop. I don't understand why it is the worst profile...


An ideal ratio would be 16-1-24. Chicken manure is too high in P and too low in K by comparison.

Reading the directions on Miracle-Gro, it needs to be applied on a regular basis. Last I checked it was $20 to $35 per pound of Nitrogen depending on which version you buy. The price of the bag is far less important than the percentage of fertilizer per dollar.

Interesting fact about Miracle-Gro, it is manufactured by the same company and at the same factories as Scotts, Vigoro, Grow-More, Spectrum, Dyna-Grow, and several more. The company? Ray-O-Vac.

bencelest
02-11-2008, 12:54 AM
Latest news:
I finally spread my soil. I just approximate the bark, sand, 1/4" rock , compost and clay (native soil) and mixed it with shovel. I will then compute and put the fertilizer later on good for bananas and for citrus. Meanwhile I'll let the soil settle and come Spring time, it's planting time. Thank you so much for a lot of input guys. I am learning a lot here. The ultimate decision will be mine of course depending on the availability of the materials and go on from there. Thanks guys.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7945&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7945)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7944&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7944)

chong
02-11-2008, 01:25 AM
..............
Reading the directions on Miracle-Gro, it needs to be applied on a regular basis. Last I checked it was $20 to $35 per pound of Nitrogen depending on which version you buy. The price of the bag is far less important than the percentage of fertilizer per dollar.

MiracleGro(24-8-16) on Sale @$9.49/10 lbs would have 2.4 lbs. of N per 10 lb. box, this would translate to $9.49/2.4 lbs. = $3.95 per pound N. Vigoro(12-5-8) on Sale @$6.99/20lbs. (Not 10 lbs as I earlier quoted. I just checked the remaining bags I have from L.A. I brought these when I had a project there, and placed them in my luggage. Home Depot doesn't sell them here in Seattle). Therefore, a bag would also have 2.4 lbs. of N per bag, which calculates to $6.99/2.4 = $2.91 per pound of N. Did I figure that correctly?

You will just have to decide for yourself, if the cost, hauling and mixing, and time and equipment is worth it, even if the cost of the fertilizer itself is cheaper than the above.

The application of the Vigoro is once every two months, since it's mixed with the soil. MiracleGro is a soluble material and is applied once every two weeks in the growing season and once a month during the cold season.

Interesting fact about Miracle-Gro, it is manufactured by the same company and at the same factories as Scotts, Vigoro, Grow-More, Spectrum, Dyna-Grow, and several more. The company? Ray-O-Vac.
This is a surprise to me. I had seen labels and/or articles that said that Bayer-Pursell manufactured Vigoro, and Scott Company made MiracleGro and Shultz products. While certain lawn and garden products, including insecticides, with the labels: NuGro, Vigoro, Shultz, Bandini, Peters, etc. are made by a company under United Industries. Maybe Ray-O-Vac owns United Industries. I know that if you Google Vigoro, several of the above companies will appear on the main menu, most notably, Bandini.

Richard
02-11-2008, 01:42 AM
MiracleGro(24-8-16) ... Vigoro(12-5-8) ... Did I figure that correctly?

Yes, you've made my day as a math professor. That particular formulation of Miracle Gro I haven't seen. My issue with the Brand is the labeling on the back often leads to the fact the formulation is weaker than actually stated on the front.

A larger issue with these products for bananas is the disproportionate amounts of Nitrogen to Potash. You'd like the percentages reversed! There is also extra Phosphorus which will largely be ignored by the plant and if buffered by acidic soil will eventually go "downhill".

I know that if you Google Vigoro, several of the above companies will appear on the main menu, most notably, Bandini.

Bandini's claim to fame is the long-term contracts at several metropolitan sewage treatment centers, notably Los Angeles.

harveyc
02-11-2008, 02:57 AM
Good job, Benny. I think for your lowest cost fertilizer, stick with Joe's recipe and the K-Mag you got from me. I can get N products more readily than the K-Mag if I have enough advance notice so let me know if you're in the area.

You mention running a gas line eventually. I am in the same boat as you but my long term plan is to eventually heat with buried pipe and circulating hot water. This takes care of the cold soil problems Richard mentioned earlier as well. The supplier I sent you other information on preivously sells tubing that I mgiht consider for this purpose but I don't think I'll get around to that until this summer.

bencelest
02-11-2008, 10:18 AM
[QUOTE=bencelest;29182]Latest news:
The ultimate decision will be mine of course depending on the availability of the materials and go on from there. Thanks guys.

Harvey:
Yes, I am leaning heavily towards using the fertilizer Joe and I got from you because I got them now and available and besides it is the cheapest and premium fertilizer that I can get anywhere. The proportion is different if I will use it for citrus and bananas but I already got the tripple 16 except the nitrate that Joe suggested as an additive for a perfect fertilizer.
But I am anxious to learn more and I have an open mind to the lively discussion being hold here from these intelligent fellows. It is very promising to listen. And I am learning a lot and compiling them on my permanent notebook.
And I thank you for picking up the pisang Klotek and the kenandrian and lacatan down South. Once I got the 2nd pup of I forgot the ones you mentioned it will be yours.
I am also will wait till this Summer maybe Autumn to initiate the gas lines and pipings . My main concern now is to plant my bananas and citrus and to protect them from the elements.
Benny

harveyc
02-11-2008, 10:27 AM
Thanks, Benny. The Khandarin pup of mine died, maybe I over-watered it. My indoor growing room was a bit crowded, to say the least, and I was not always able to check moisture very well when watering. I think I should get them moved into my greenhouse by the end of the week after I have it heated and have functional vents.

By the way, my small Ae Ae is putting out its second new leaf right now since your visit and my second largest one has put out a huge new leaf. Still waiting on the largest one.

I still can't get over the size of that Ppisang Klotek "pup" Mitchel gave you in that contest!

bencelest
02-11-2008, 10:31 AM
Yeah, me too. And the lacatan from Jon, and the enano gigante from Joe........
Oh, well......Life is wonderful........
BTW I just emailed Going Bananas nursery in Florida and ask for the viente cohol if available and can be shipped to California.

Richard
02-11-2008, 12:51 PM
Benny, this has been a lively discussion ... which I'll verify happens almost every day at the nursery!

The cheapest approach for bananas is one cup per month of Spectrum brand Triple 16 along with a 1/4 cup of K-Mag or similar ~(0-0-24). The Spectrum product is buffered, so there is less salt build up. You have plenty of drainage, so it's not an issue. I would also add a careful amount seaweed extract three times per year to keep the micronutrients going. The labeling on the Grow-More product is excellent. This works out to about $3 per plant per year.

There are folks who react quite strongly to the idea of "chemically refined" nutrients. The answer for their banana plants is 3.5 cubic feet of well-composted horse manure and a gallon or so of wood ash per year. Horse manure is usually available free at stables that offer horse riding lessons. When you explain to them that seaweed extract is made by the same equipment used to produce olive oil, they'll usually go along with that as a micronutrient supplement. If you count gasoline costs and do your own labor, this is around $5 per plant.

For those who are willing to invest in premium fertilizers, there are a few manufacturers with products containing a full spectrum of nutrients in well-thought proportions, plus humic acids and often mycorrhizal fungus spores. Most brands are granulars but some are liquid. The brands Gro-Power and Dr. Earth are examples in the western U.S. For commercial agriculture, Gro-Power is available by the truckload at $5 to $7 per tree per year. For us lowly consumers, you'll likely find it at what works out to be $12 to $14 per tree per year.

I have observed all three approaches over the years: at my residence(s), other home gardens, and commercial agriculture. When good agricultural practices are in place, the first two approaches will produce healthy, fruitful plants/trees and the third will produce remarkably healthy and productive plants that most people never see.

microfarmer
02-11-2008, 11:12 PM
An ideal ratio would be 16-1-24. Chicken manure is too high in P and too low in K by comparison.

And I thought a balanced (15-15-15) was s'posed to be ideal. Man, where'd I get my information? Wouldn't you want a higher number than 1 for your P ammendments even if not all the way to 15?

I believe one material is not perfect and I always blend many nutrients into my beds. I use bat, chicken, steer, horse and worm poop, compost, kelp meal, blood meal, bone meal, wood ashes, alfalfa, and the trub, yeast, and grains from my brewery. I have yet to bring home the greensand, but I do have some decomposed granite instead that'll go in this year. Oh, and don't forget the crushed oyster shells and gypsum treatments already in...

(snip)unless you have an unlimited source for the manure, (snip)

Meet Pete!

If you look closly, you'll see his by-proucts under the bananas...

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7201&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7201)

Richard
02-11-2008, 11:58 PM
... Wouldn't you want a higher number than 1 for your P ammendments even if not all the way to 15?

Inkcube gave us the low-down in the thread on Fertilization. It's just the agronomic info I'd been scouring the literature for! Here's the link: http://www.bananas.org/f2/fertilization-3397.html#post27628

chong
02-12-2008, 12:47 AM
And I thought a balanced (15-15-15) was s'posed to be ideal. Man, where'd I get my information? Wouldn't you want a higher number than 1 for your P ammendments even if not all the way to 15?

I believe one material is not perfect and I always blend many nutrients into my beds. I use bat, chicken, steer, horse and worm poop, compost, kelp meal, blood meal, bone meal, wood ashes, alfalfa, and the trub, yeast, and grains from my brewery. I have yet to bring home the greensand, but I do have some decomposed granite instead that'll go in this year. Oh, and don't forget the crushed oyster shells and gypsum treatments already in...



Meet Pete!

If you look closly, you'll see his by-proucts under the bananas...

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7201&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7201)

There are a lot of gardeners that advocate a balanced fertilizer ratio, i.e., 10-10-10, 5-5-5, etc. If you use a weaker solution than what's on the label, you can be sure to get pretty reasonable results, without burning your plants. But because the P component is relatively high, there is a risk of over fertilizing many plants because they normally do not require as much of the P as say, roses. Chrysanthemums for one, require very high K than N, and even less of the P component. I bought over 150 lbs. of 'Mums special mix by Peters(14-8-27) to use for my bananas and other fruit bearing plants. Last year, I had my daughter water my plants via my E-Z Flo thru the hose automatic plant feeder. When I came back from CA after three months, I found my green house plants with almost all yellow leaves, with the yard plants not too far behind on the yellow leaves. I then started using my old bucket system using MirAcid (30-10-10) and within a little over a week or so, the leaves turned green to almost 90%. My prized Joy Perfume plants started to show buds again.

Some time ago(before the internet was invented by Al Gore), I read something that stuck to my mind, where the iideal ratio for bananas was 2-1-4. I looked and I looked and found that most citrus and avocado formutions were close to this. Then one day, I was checking out the Mellinger catalog from OH, and there it was - a formula for hydroponics: 12-8-21. They guaranteed it will not burn any plant.

Well, I can't argue with Pete. As a kid, again, this was what we used to feed roses. I remember that, as embarrassing as it was, we had to collect road apples along a 10 block radius around our house for my Mom's roses. And we didn't even have to compost them. We just gaged how much to put on each plant. And you should see the size of them roses. Even though, roses are hard to grow in the Philippines because it is too hot!

You see, up until the late mid-60's, the more popular mode of transportation at my Mom's hometown, where I went to high school 225 miles south of Manila, was horse drawn carriage, that we call the "Calesa" or the "Carritela" (2 different styles of carriages). They usually have a sack to catch the poop, but the drivers don't bother to empty them until they go home. So, throughout the day, they overflow all over the place. Picking them up then, in retrospect, was our contribution to community service, since we were minimizing street litter. Though we did not collect the mashed ones (LOL).

bencelest
02-12-2008, 10:06 AM
Nice story Chong. 225 miles from Manila must be one of the islands then. You have to cross the sea. But riding the ferry is a wonderful experience seeing on your journey thousands of coconuts and bananas waving on the shore. And seeing the virgin white sand on the beach wish you to jump and wade to reach the beach. But you have another 7,000 more islands to cross.

I am letting the soil settle down and 'conditioned' before I transplant my citrus and bananas at my plat. Meanwhile I will use it as a temporary refuge for my plants.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7959&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7959)


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7958&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7958&limit=recent)


And to simplify Inkcube's recipe:


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Default Re: Fertilization:
I figured it out differently:
N=10 cups
P= 1 cup
K= 13 cups
Thanks Inkcube for a very important lesson.

microfarmer
02-12-2008, 10:23 AM
Inkcube gave us the low-down in the thread on Fertilization. It's just the agronomic info I'd been scouring the literature for! Here's the link: http://www.bananas.org/f2/fertilization-3397.html#post27628

Thanks Richard (and Inkcube...). I've been using the wrong information all along. This year, I'll have to adjust my ferts accordingly.

microfarmer
02-12-2008, 10:40 AM
(snip) I am letting the soil settle down and 'conditioned' before I transplant my citrus and bananas at my plat. Meanwhile I will use it as a temporary refuge for my plants.


And to simplify Inkcube's recipe:

N=10 cups
P= 1 cup
K= 13 cups
Thanks Inkcube for a very important lesson.

Looking good, Benny!! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished project!

(snip) Well, I can't argue with Pete. As a kid, again, this was what we used to feed roses. I remember that, as embarrassing as it was, we had to collect road apples along a 10 block radius around our house for my Mom's roses. And we didn't even have to compost them. We just gaged how much to put on each plant. And you should see the size of them roses. Even though, roses are hard to grow in the Philippines because it is too hot!

You see, up until the late mid-60's, the more popular mode of transportation at my Mom's hometown, where I went to high school 225 miles south of Manila, was horse drawn carriage, that we call the "Calesa" or the "Carritela" (2 different styles of carriages). They usually have a sack to catch the poop, but the drivers don't bother to empty them until they go home. So, throughout the day, they overflow all over the place. Picking them up then, in retrospect, was our contribution to community service, since we were minimizing street litter. Though we did not collect the mashed ones (LOL).


Great story Chong!! I can't blame you for passing on the squashed ones...:2780:

chong
02-12-2008, 03:59 PM
Nice story Chong. 225 miles from Manila must be one of the islands then. You have to cross the sea. But riding the ferry is a wonderful experience seeing on your journey thousands of coconuts and bananas waving on the shore. And seeing the virgin white sand on the beach wish you to jump and wade to reach the beach. But you have another 7,000 more islands to cross.

I am letting the soil settle down and 'conditioned' before I transplant my citrus and bananas at my plat. Meanwhile I will use it as a temporary refuge for my plants.



No, Benny it's not quite one of the islands. Just the southernmost area of Luzon (well, I guess it's still an island). It's in Naga City, Camarines Sur. The closest beaches around have black sand, unfortunately. But just so as not to be off-topic, the roads to the beaches from the city are lined with all kinds of bananas. At least 50% of them are Saba and Sabang-Dikit(Praying hands). This is because the Saba has greater commercial use for small land owners. As you may know, Saba is used to make banana-que and chips. Also, in Bicol the have a dish called "linupak", a combination of mashed green Saba, 3/4 ripe coconut, and brown sugar or panocha. The appearance is like poi, only a lot more sticky and firm. So, you're wearing dentures - beware!

If you really want paper white sands, they are in the Batanes Islands, way up north of Luzon.

An interesting thing about "linupak" is that the boiled banana pulp is is mashed in a mortar and pestle made of wood. The same one used for pounding on dried out rice to remove the hull. Wow! That's another whole lot of stories there from when I was a kid.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7961 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6566&ppuser=567)

bencelest
02-12-2008, 05:16 PM
No, Benny it's not quite one of the islands. Just the southernmost area of Luzon (well, I guess it's still an island). It's in Naga City, Camarines Sur. The closest beaches around have black sand, unfortunately. But just so as not to be off-topic, the roads to the beaches from the city are lined with all kinds of bananas. At least 50% of them are Saba and Sabang-Dikit(Praying hands). This is because the Saba has greater commercial use for small land owners. As you may know, Saba is used to make banana-que and chips. Also, in Bicol the have a dish called "linupak", a combination of mashed green Saba, 3/4 ripe coconut, and brown sugar or panocha. The appearance is like poi, only a lot more sticky and firm. So, you're wearing dentures - beware!

If you really want paper white sands, they are in the Batanes Islands, way up north of Luzon.

An interesting thing about "linupak" is that the boiled banana pulp is is mashed in a mortar and pestle made of wood. The same one used for pounding on dried out rice to remove the hull. Wow! That's another whole lot of stories there from when I was a kid.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7961 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6566&ppuser=567)

Thanks for correcting me. I did not know that. And yes, I think I tasted linupac before but in one of the islands I went to. Cagayan de Oro.
And also I smiled when you mentioned the one ingredient of linupak. It appears to me that it has different meaning here but I am not sure.

I am going to get more compost today because I think the mix needs more of it.

bencelest
02-12-2008, 05:19 PM
No, Benny it's not quite one of the islands. Just the southernmost area of Luzon (well, I guess it's still an island). It's in Naga City, Camarines Sur. The closest beaches around have black sand, unfortunately. But just so as not to be off-topic, the roads to the beaches from the city are lined with all kinds of bananas. At least 50% of them are Saba and Sabang-Dikit(Praying hands). This is because the Saba has greater commercial use for small land owners. As you may know, Saba is used to make banana-que and chips. Also, in Bicol the have a dish called "linupak", a combination of mashed green Saba, 3/4 ripe coconut, and brown sugar or panocha. The appearance is like poi, only a lot more sticky and firm. So, you're wearing dentures - beware!

If you really want paper white sands, they are in the Batanes Islands, way up north of Luzon.

An interesting thing about "linupak" is that the boiled banana pulp is is mashed in a mortar and pestle made of wood. The same one used for pounding on dried out rice to remove the hull. Wow! That's another whole lot of stories there from when I was a kid.


Thanks for correcting me. I did not know that. And yes, I think I tasted linupac before but in one of the islands I went to. Cagayan de Oro.
And also I smiled when you mentioned the one ingredient of linupak.

I am going to get more compost today because I think the mix needs more of it.

bencelest
02-19-2008, 04:37 PM
I got a truckload of compost the other day and yesterday, I planted the following bananas and citrus in my plat using the 4:1:1: ratio of compost, 1/4" rocks, and small bark chips with shovelful of horse manure, sand and native soil which is clay.
Lady Finger
Lacatan
enano gigante
California Gold
2 seedless kishu trees
clemenule from Spain
Kandrian
Super Dwarf Cavendish
atemoya


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8250&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8250)

You won't see some of the bananas because of the angle and I am protecting the area with clear plastic for a few days and also cover the individual plants with plastic pots or Christmas lights.
And most of the bananas are small and have brown leaves. I am hoping that when the weather changes they will take off.
Tomorrow I will plant one more banana : dwarf orinoco.
The closest one the one that is green and healthy is a California gold.

Ahava
02-19-2008, 06:47 PM
Forgive my cluelessness, but what is that white stuff in the bottom of the plant in the front? Some type of fert? Nice pic btw.

bencelest
02-20-2008, 03:08 AM
Amber:
Oh, that?
Those are egg shells. I usually break them with tool for mashing potatoes but I did not for that time.
And thanks foor the nice praise!
Benny

Ahava
02-20-2008, 04:55 AM
Eggshells? Would those be good for nanners too? I'm clueless when it comes to ferts, I'm really just learning alot. When I used to grow my tomatoes and whatnot, I just kinda bought the tomato fertilizer, and just use it, and I always had luck with whatever I've chosen to grow. But reading about how you can change the chemical composition of soils and mulches with certain things is very interesting. I think your project is awesome really. Despite the time of year, your plants look really happy. And that in itself is really great! I can tell that you put a lot love, time, and painstaking thought into that project for your bananas and citrus. I really can't wait till summer to see how green it looks under there!

bencelest
02-20-2008, 11:42 AM
Egg shells is just my idea putting them on top of the soil. I usually mix them with my compost but I've seen them used by wives on their orchids and their orchids look gorgeous. They hang them around their orchids wherever they can find a place to hang to. It is not a fertilizer per se but an amendment to the soil to raise the pH.
I thought I'd mix them with the soil but I never got around to it.
Another thing I add on top of the soil is coffee grounds. I dump the used coffee grounds on top of the pots of my favorite plants. And fish washings also.
It is just me. Some people may say yukkke on my method but that's just me.
People also asked me some of my pots have protruding white 1" PVC on the side of the pot. Those are to aid aeration at the bottom of the pot.

bencelest
02-20-2008, 04:32 PM
I was inspecting my bananas in pots to look for dwarf orinoco and I found a (double) mahoi that is begging me to pick her up. She was also showing her beauty and charm and her new pup. I could not resist but plant her instead of dwarf orinoco that I planned to plant in my plat. I looked at my notes that it will only put out two separate heads of fruit the second year ONLY if planted on the ground .
And the height is perfect. It will flower at 6 feet high. I have an 11 foot ceiling.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8259&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8259)

correction: I named my citrus clemenule but it is actually seedless kishu.

bencelest
02-21-2008, 01:34 AM
Here's more pics of my plants


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8260&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8260)


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8261&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8261)


2/21/08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8263&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8263)

Correction: On the picture it is not dwarf cavendish but dwarf orinoco. That's the one I originally would plant but (double) Mahoi won.

bencelest
02-21-2008, 12:08 PM
More pics 'My other Bananas' 2/21/08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8264&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8264)

Richard
02-21-2008, 12:49 PM
... Banana Nut

totally.

:0489:

bencelest
02-21-2008, 01:47 PM
Hey, Richard: Is that what you mean I'm totally a banana nut?
Heh-heh!

bencelest
02-25-2008, 11:58 PM
2/25/08
My bananas starting to wake up

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8327&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8327)

bencelest
03-01-2008, 12:04 PM
Latest progress in my pergola plat
Newly planted bananas and citrus.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8405&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8405)

microfarmer
03-03-2008, 12:06 AM
Looking good Benny!

bencelest
03-14-2008, 06:31 PM
Thanks Micro.

Here's how my pergola plat looks on 3 11 08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8636&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8636)

bencelest
03-18-2008, 12:01 AM
Somme plants that was planted in my pergola plat
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8715&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8715)

bencelest
03-18-2008, 12:13 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8716&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8716)

bencelest
03-18-2008, 11:18 AM
My other bananas planted in wine barrels with the exception of gran nain. It is planted on the ground

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=8719&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8719)

CookieCows
03-18-2008, 02:20 PM
What a nice jungle that's going to be. I love wooden walkways, wooden everything! I think you need a nice big set of bamboo windchimes now!

mskitty38583
03-18-2008, 03:23 PM
looking great. you have done a huge amount of work. good job.:goteam:

bencelest
03-18-2008, 03:48 PM
Thank you for both of you Cookiecow and Mskitty. I am glad some people appreciate my work.
Thank you again.
And yes, it will be a jungle this Summer.And I have more bananas on order.
It is so addicting. Even if you have no more place to put them but you want more!

bencelest
04-04-2008, 01:51 PM
Here's how my pergola plat my project look like as of 4 4 08. I planted annuals and some flowers and are just starting to bloom .There are many new buds coming out on all the plants but they are not visible yet. I'll wait another 2 weeks. Notice also that the bananas are starting to have spears.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9055&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9055)

mskitty38583
04-04-2008, 02:14 PM
looks awesome! when your done with yours you are more then welcome to come work in my yard!! thats a compliment btw.:choochoo::choochoo::choochoo:

bencelest
04-04-2008, 04:00 PM
looks awesome! when your done with yours you are more then welcome to come work in my yard!! thats a compliment btw.:choochoo::choochoo::choochoo:
Thanks, Mskitty. And sure, I'll work for you. When I am done with my work.
But I never get done with my work! As my wife said to me: Finish one project first before you start another...........
Here's my projects:
1. Renovate 1st floor bedroom 1 1/2 years old.
2. Tiles the bathroom upstairs 1 year ago.
3. Patch a hole which I created when I was running wires and pipes for gas range in the kitchen
4. And lots of others more.......
Now in the backyard project......
Things that never done........1,2,3,......... Oh, boy!!!!!
Just kidding Mskitty.

bencelest
04-04-2008, 04:55 PM
Richard:

Here's the Sweetheart that I will trade you with.


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9057&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9057)

mskitty38583
04-04-2008, 06:40 PM
i understand the finish one project before you start another one. i have some of those myself. i get half way through one and im board with it and i think ill just set this one to the side and do something else...then the first one never gets done. by the time i get around to the first project, i have 15 others that are half done. lol! well i dont have a problem with the jobs outside, i like being outside...its the ones inside i dont finish.:eek:

bencelest
04-04-2008, 08:20 PM
We are in the same boat Mskitty.
When I wake up in the morning, usually it is still dark, I can't sit quiet still I want to pull the Time so it is daybreak already so I can inspect my bananas.

Richard
04-04-2008, 09:45 PM
:woohoonaner:

I got up at 4am for work this morning for a 5am to 2pm shift, so it's back to bed for me now!


Richard:

Here's the Sweetheart that I will trade you with.


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9057&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9057)

bencelest
05-24-2008, 11:11 PM
Here's how my pergola plat looks like after the winter. On the backgtound from your left is Joe Real's dwarf Brazilian and infront of it is California gold.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9780&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9780)

bencelest
05-24-2008, 11:23 PM
On Joe's dwarf Brazilian, the newest leaf is half as small and 3/4 as short as the others. What can that be?

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9781&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9781)

bencelest
05-24-2008, 11:34 PM
Richard:
I still have the "Sweeteart" I was going to trade you with. If still interested email me.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9782&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9782)

bencelest
05-25-2008, 02:19 PM
raja puri 5 23 08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9786&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9786&ppuser=613)

NANAMAN
05-25-2008, 05:44 PM
Looking good Benny! How many varieties do you have now?

bencelest
05-26-2008, 01:21 AM
Hi Brian:
As for the varieties I don't have many maybe 7 or 8. I just keep separating them when their pups are big enough.
I'll let you know when I count them in a few days or so.
I just got so busy lately I did not have time to do what I wanted to do.

chong
05-26-2008, 12:55 PM
Looks great Benny! Someone must have taken good care of your babies when you were away. I'm so envious at the brightness of the sun in your pictures. And also the fruits from your trees!

What's the temperature looking over there now? 'Cuz here in Seattle there are mornings that are still in the high 30s.

mskitty38583
05-26-2008, 01:34 PM
its looking great benny!

microfarmer
05-26-2008, 01:53 PM
On Joe's dwarf Brazilian, the newest leaf is half as small and 3/4 as short as the others. What can that be?

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9781&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9781)

Possibly a flag coming?

bencelest
06-04-2008, 11:12 AM
Sorry I did not respond right away. I just got too busy. Many Thanks to Chong, Mskitty and Microfarmer for your nice comments.

Here's another pic of my Dwarf Brazilian the 2nd small leaf. It's kinda weired looking.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10006&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10006)

Greenie
06-04-2008, 12:30 PM
nice!

bencelest
06-05-2008, 09:25 AM
Thanks Greene for your compliment.

Benny

bencelest
06-05-2008, 09:32 AM
Here's how my pergola plat looks as of 6 4 08


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10018&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10018)

bencelest
06-05-2008, 09:36 AM
Oh, BTW Brian , correction on how many bananas I have?
I thought I only have 8 but when I count them I have 23 varieties and I have more than one plant on some varieties.
Ilost the list for the moment but I will post them when I find it.

mskitty38583
06-05-2008, 09:39 AM
benny i love the mix of color you have with your nanas.

bencelest
06-05-2008, 11:43 AM
Thank you Mskitty but those are accidental. I did not plan it that way. Each time I have an extra nana I just find any opening and plant it there.
That's nice of you for complementing.
Like I said this forum is very comforting. I have another forum that I post pictures of my plants but not one even say any comment for the last 6 months or more for all the pictures that I posted. I am thinking to quit posting because of non appreciation.
Benny

bencelest
06-05-2008, 12:01 PM
Thiis is how my backyard looks 6 4 08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10022&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10022)

bencelest
06-05-2008, 12:04 PM
another angle

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10023&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10023)

mskitty38583
06-05-2008, 01:44 PM
i understand the frustration. i tucked a ornata bronze, lavander, and ornata green in my front flower bed( in front of my house) and between those, the dalhias,cannas and ees i have daylilies and tiger lilies mixed with them.i did it the old fashioned way... i planted the nanas and dropped the bulbs and tubers on the ground and where they landed is where they got planted. lol! i love green but a little color makes it look better.

damaclese
06-05-2008, 01:59 PM
wow thanks every one for all the sooper pics every ones yard is looking so nice i wish i had that much geen but i dont think i could aford the water Bill (im moving in with u all make some froom for more Bananas heheheh) J/K

bencelest
06-05-2008, 03:57 PM
Pauly:
I understand your feeling Pauly. I used to live in the high dessert of California where you pay your water by the gallons. When I was new there, I planted many shrubs in my yard and oh! how hard did I worked those caliched desert soil just so my plants can stay on the ground but when I received my first water bill? boy did I changed my mind very quickly. Was glad the rabbits and the dessert rats helped me decide to pull my plants out because they ate my plants too very quickly for my plants were the only ones green over the dessert.
Here? water bill is very negligible. Besides moisture is very high so I don't water much.

island cassie
06-05-2008, 06:24 PM
Benny - your garden is looking stunning - congrats!!!

NANAMAN
06-05-2008, 11:08 PM
Benny, I thought 8 was on the short side... Have you run out of room yet?

bencelest
06-06-2008, 11:34 AM
Oh, boy! Have I?
But I always find ways to plant them however they are so close.
It's addicting.
Now I have a babaco that at the moment I planted it in a pot but later it should be planted on th the ground.

Richard
06-06-2008, 01:44 PM
Oh, boy! Have I?
But I always find ways to plant them however they are so close.
It's addicting.
Now I have a babaco that at the moment I planted it in a pot but later it should be planted on th the ground.

:woohoonaner:

bencelest
06-07-2008, 08:45 AM
Thank you Casie.
You know your Pisang Klotek is growing very nicely now.I thought it would not pull out last Winter but look at it now!
That's why I don't give up even if my nanas look gloomy.

CookieCows
06-07-2008, 09:03 AM
I love being able to look at all this from winter on through all the growing and building stages! Just beautiful!

Deb

bencelest
06-07-2008, 10:00 AM
Thank you Deb. It also goes with your feelings. When you feel that you accomplish something beautiful, you feel great!

Here's the pisang klotek that I "won" in Momese banana contest last year.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10113&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10113)

bencelest
06-07-2008, 10:04 AM
I thought this one won't pull through last winter but it did.
It is planted on my pergola plat.
Super dwarf cavendish

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10114 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10114)

Richard
06-07-2008, 10:11 AM
I thought this one won't pull through last winter but it did.
It is planted on my pergola plat.
Super dwarf cavendish


:woohoonaner:

bencelest
06-08-2008, 01:49 AM
Thanks Richard

Here's my raja puri in a half whiskey barrel pic taken 5 28 08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10129&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10129)

bencelest
06-08-2008, 01:51 AM
And here's a kandrian banana that Harvey got for me in San Diego. On the left is a enano giganti that Joe real gave me. These are panted in my pergola plat. I have the materials now to protect the plat from the cold next winter.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10128&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10128)

bencelest
06-08-2008, 01:55 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10127&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10127)



And here are some bananas planted on whiskey barrels
From left to right
1. Raja puri
2. Dwarfed Cavendish
3. sweetheart
4.Double (mahoi)
5. dwarf orinoco
6.dwarf Brazilian
7. not shown behind the dwarf Brazilian is Belle

Richard
06-08-2008, 02:05 AM
And here's a kandrian banana that Harvey got for me in San Diego. On the left is a enano giganti that Joe real gave me. These are panted in my pergola plat. I have the materials now to protect the plat from the cold next winter.


Don't forget to install a mat and heater for yourself when your wife locks you outside next time!

bencelest
06-08-2008, 02:18 AM
Oh, you still remember that Richard!
I think she had mellowed a lot when I bought her what she wanted most but it cost me my arms and legs. And also when I gave her coffee in bed.

bencelest
06-08-2008, 02:23 AM
And here's my other bananas
planted in my pergola plat

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10130&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10130)

bencelest
06-08-2008, 02:25 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10131&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10131)


sweetheart with annuals flowers

mskitty38583
06-08-2008, 10:42 AM
so benny what did your wife want that cost you an arm and a leg and coffee in bed???? was it worth it for your nanas sake?? LOL!:2691:

Kylie2x
06-08-2008, 11:33 AM
Everything looks awesome!!!!! Yaeh dish on the gift!
Kylie

bencelest
06-08-2008, 11:55 PM
Thanks Kyle and Mskitty for the compliment.
Mskitty, would you believe it is house and lot?
Well I guess, it is worth it that now I have more place to plant my bananas. I already plant a calamondin in the new place and the next will be bananas.
Coffee in bed is I guess so she would not lock me out again.
Would you believe when I married her it was just the reverse? I was in heaven then.LOL.

mskitty38583
06-09-2008, 11:39 AM
keep a spare key somewhere under a flower pot or something. i would be ill if someone locked me out of my own house.:ha:

bencelest
07-07-2008, 01:34 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11022&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11022)

Here's my pergola plat update.
As of 7/6/08
front to back
?
dwarf oorinoco
california gold
dwarf brazilian

bencelest
07-07-2008, 01:37 AM
And here's the viente cohol I plan to transfer to pergola plat once established.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11021&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11021)

bencelest
07-07-2008, 01:52 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11023&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11023)


More bananas that are planted in my PP.

chong
07-07-2008, 02:23 AM
Benny,
Welcome back!

Is that Lady Finger the one from Logee's? Or, a pup from it? It looks like a new planting.

I got 5 Dwarf Lady Fingers in the last couple of months, and I was wondering if they would look like the one you got from Logee's. 4 of them are from eBay, and 1 from a grower in San Diego.

The one from San Diego comes from a reliable source, but the 4 from eBay is sort of questionable. Of the 4, the first two that I got looked really green - one small and one big, then regressed to almost a stump, but now they're back but they are smaller. I'm kind of concerned because these first two are exhibiting some faint red coloration similar to Cavendish. Does your Lady Finger have any red colorations? It's pretty hard to tell from the picture.

Thanks.
Chong

microfarmer
07-07-2008, 09:59 AM
It's lookin' good, Benny!!

mskitty38583
07-07-2008, 10:03 AM
benny your flowers and nanas are so pretty!

bencelest
07-07-2008, 04:15 PM
Chong:
It was the same lady finger I bought from Logees last winter.
I made an error transplanting it to my pergola plat. I planted it too early. We had many low night tempts then and it regressed so much I thought it would not recover. It still has some signs of stressed in the older leaves. But it is growing strong now.
As far as the color of the leaves, some of the leaves have a faint splash of red color about the size of half of a dime maybe 2 to 3 in a leaf but you can hardly see it because they were very faint. Just like a shadow inside the leaves. Unlike the dwarf Cav they are very noticeable.

Soon after I came back from PI, the family went on vacation in Maui and gosh, I've seen some out-of this world flowers and tropical trees and I took many pictures. I saved them cause they are just beautiful.

bencelest
07-07-2008, 04:18 PM
Thank you Micro and Mskitty for beautiful compliments.

Benny

island cassie
07-07-2008, 04:45 PM
Benny your yard is very beautiful and all your hard work has paid dividends. You make me laugh when you talk about being locked out, and how things were different when you were first married! I have a tasteless joke somewhere that covers that - but I can't find it!!

Cassie

bencelest
07-08-2008, 09:10 AM
Thanks! Cassie. And it's just so true about my wife. But my friends said ....and three you are out. She's my third so I stay. But I am very happy and very willing to stay. 20 years now.

mskitty38583
07-08-2008, 09:19 AM
wow benny! thats a long time. i have a hard time making a commitment to the type of potting soil i use....let alone living with the same person day to day. congrats on the 20 yrs! for yall who can do that, i salute you!!! ive been married 3 times and dont even care to try it again, between the grandbaby,nanas,dogs, my kids, and school...i dont have time for that sort of thing. so kudos to yall!

bencelest
07-08-2008, 10:33 AM
Mskitty:
Finally I found the right type of soil for my plants. It's been very healthy looking plants they turned out to be.

chong
07-09-2008, 12:51 AM
Benny,
Welcome back!

Is that Lady Finger the one from Logee's? Or, a pup from it? It looks like a new planting.

I got 5 Dwarf Lady Fingers in the last couple of months, and I was wondering if they would look like the one you got from Logee's. 4 of them are from eBay, and 1 from a grower in San Diego.

The one from San Diego comes from a reliable source, but the 4 from eBay is sort of questionable. Of the 4, the first two that I got looked really green - one small and one big, then regressed to almost a stump, but now they're back but they are smaller. I'm kind of concerned because these first two are exhibiting some faint red coloration similar to Cavendish. Does your Lady Finger have any red colorations? It's pretty hard to tell from the picture.

Thanks.
Chong
This is the second batch of D. Lady Fingers in late April 08 from the same Seller. The Seller sent it Parcel Post, instead of Priority Mail as advertised, so the USPS kept it for two weeks before delivering it:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11025&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11025&ppuser=567)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11026&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11026&ppuser=567)
I guess the cost of shipping was too much for the two if sent Priority Mail. He paid over $20, even with Parcel Post. I wished that he's called me first, I would have agreed to pay a little extra.

Chong:
It was the same lady finger I bought from Logees last winter.
I made an error transplanting it to my pergola plat. I planted it too early. We had many low night tempts then and it regressed so much I thought it would not recover. It still has some signs of stressed in the older leaves. But it is growing strong now.
As far as the color of the leaves, some of the leaves have a faint splash of red color about the size of half of a dime maybe 2 to 3 in a leaf but you can hardly see it because they were very faint. Just like a shadow inside the leaves. Unlike the dwarf Cav they are very noticeable.

Soon after I came back from PI, the family went on vacation in Maui and gosh, I've seen some out-of this world flowers and tropical trees and I took many pictures. I saved them cause they are just beautiful.

Here are some new photos:
This is what the last two DLF I got from eBay looks like now. These photos were taken last Sunday evening.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11079&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11079&ppuser=567)

A shot showing their relative sizes. Starting from the foreground left is Thomsonii, right is Balbisiana. Middle row left is Siam Ruby, right is DLF from San Diego that came as a short fat corm with no leaves, just a spike - posted pictures of this with the Ty Ty Gold that came with it. Back row are the subjects.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11080&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11080&ppuser=567)

Close up of the larger of the two subjects. Notice that the height is severely diminished, where I had to cut down the rotting tips, starting from the bent leaves and gradually layer bay layer down to where it is now. But Friday morning, I saw a little spike of the right showing. Then on Sunday morning, the one on the left showed up, plus the main plant finally pushed out from the mid height, offsetting the prior leaf which was still rolled up and getting black. Boy, what a very nice belated(by a couple of days) birthday surprise for me this was. Maybe that first one was actually even there on July 2!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11081&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11081&ppuser=567)
Notice that there are smudges of red (claret) appearing on the leaves. The small one in the middle foreground is the DLF from San Diego. On the left, is the Siam Ruby that I've had problems with last late fall.

I bought the small one from the grower in San Diego because he is a well known member of the CRFG. And I wanted to have something to compare to, as the eBay Seller didn't seem to know much about banana statistics.

Richard
07-09-2008, 12:56 AM
...
This is the second batch of D. Lady Fingers in late April 08 from the same Seller. The Seller sent it Parcel Post, instead of Priority Mail as advertised, so the USPS kept it for two weeks before delivering it.

I guess the cost of shipping was too much for the two if sent Priority Mail. He paid over $20, even with Parcel Post. I wished that he's called me first, I would have agreed to pay a little extra.
...


How strange. Both plants would fit in a USPS triangle-tube. The cost of sending the tube priority mail across the country is about $8.

chong
07-09-2008, 01:07 AM
How strange. Both plants would fit in a USPS triangle-tube. The cost of sending the tube priority mail across the country is about $8.

To his credit, the corms were 7" - 8" diameter. And they were over 24" from root to where he bent the leaves. And the roots probably shriveled somewhat over the length of the trip. After seeing them in daylight, I wasn't too terribly disappointed. Particularly, since I now have 6 puppies overall. Their growth is much better in the green house compared to the ones outside, even though the ones outside are in larger pots and started out as bigger plants.

bencelest
07-09-2008, 08:52 AM
So overall, you are in the positive side of the deal because of the new pups.
You mentioned you have a greenhouse now? How will you heat it up during winter months. Just curious because I plan to enclose my pergola plat with glass before winter sets in. I now have the materials but don't have the time to install.
I am glad your ladyfinger looks very healthy. I am beginning to think that this plant is going to be problematic.
I think all the problems can be solve if we have a constant high temperature instead of the roller coaster tempts we are having.

bencelest
07-09-2008, 10:39 AM
Chong:
I took a picture of my lady finger this morning. Here she is . Notice the faint blotch of red on the leaves? As you will notice it is still recovering from the winter cold evidenced by those partially browned leaves.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11099&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11099)

Richard
07-09-2008, 10:53 AM
...
You mentioned you have a greenhouse now? How will you heat it up during winter months. Just curious because I plan to enclose my pergola plat with glass before winter sets in. I now have the materials but don't have the time to install...

Benny, Congrats on acquiring the glass! Be sure to consider warm air circulation in your plan.

chong
07-09-2008, 04:12 PM
So overall, you are in the positive side of the deal because of the new pups.
You mentioned you have a greenhouse now? How will you heat it up during winter months. Just curious because I plan to enclose my pergola plat with glass before winter sets in. I now have the materials but don't have the time to install.
I am glad your ladyfinger looks very healthy. I am beginning to think that this plant is going to be problematic.
I think all the problems can be solve if we have a constant high temperature instead of the roller coaster tempts we are having.

Yes, as disappointed as I was when I received the plants, with a little effort on my part, they bounced back then one of them gave me a bonus. Like I said earlier, I wasn't too terribly disappointed after seeing them in daylight because of the large sizes of the corms. Plus, I saw that there were still a lot of live roots. Obviously, I consider the two new pups as a bonus.

My greenhouse was built as part of my house in 1977. It is a lean-to style on the south side of the house. It is 11ft wide x 21ft long x 16ft high at the peak. The floor of the greenhouse is on the same level of the lower floor of the house. Upstairs, a full width sliding glass door on the south wall of the dining room leads to a balcony in the greenhouse at mid-level the full length of the greenhouse. Right now, I just have 2 1500-watt portable heaters located in the balcony, and another 1500-watt in a 10-foot plastic covered section of the lower floor. That plastic covered section is my "ICU" for sensitive plants, where I used to place newly acquired bare-rooted plants.

I'm trying to get the gas company to run a service to my property. I have a 110,000 BTU gas boiler that I can pipe some of the hot water from to heat the greenhouse properly. It will probably take between 12,000BTUs to 15,000BTUs to keep my greenhouse at 65°F(18°C) when the outdoor temperature is 23°F(-5°C).

What sizes are your glass panels? When my former employer was remodeling our office, they removed 8 5-ft x 10-ft insulated glass panels. I jokingly asked the window company if they can dispose of them in my yard, and they said - sure. They broke 3 of them, and I told them that I didn't want those, so they delivered the other 5 to my driveway. I'll be using them to enclose any plants I may plant outside this summer.

bencelest
07-10-2008, 02:52 AM
Richard. I have that in the back of my mind but not this coming winter. But I'll think of a way to warm up the inside of the pergola.

bencelest
07-10-2008, 03:02 AM
Chong:
"I'm trying to get the gas company to run a service to my property. I have a 110,000 BTU gas boiler that I can pipe some of the hot water from to heat the greenhouse properly. It will probably take between 12,000BTUs to 15,000BTUs to keep my greenhouse at 65°F(18°C) when the outdoor temperature is 23°F(-5°C)."
Please explain by having a gas boiler you can heat your greenhouse by piping some hot water there. I can't picture in my mind how you are going to do it. Will you have some sort of a condenser to run the hot water to it ?

I bought me a glass greenhouse as Joe Real posted here from Costco a while back. I don't know the measurements yet but I will adjust as it comes. I got me a number of used glass bathroom doors from recycling place here very cheap which I intend to use.
I will improvise as time goes on.

Lucky you you got some freebies.

bencelest
07-10-2008, 03:14 AM
Here's how my pergola plat looks like as of 7 9 08

The PP is at the background

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11140&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11140)

bencelest
07-10-2008, 03:15 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11141&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11141)

bencelest
07-10-2008, 03:16 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11139&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11139)

I've taken out some pups to plant them in other areas too. It's getting to be overcrowded.

mskitty38583
07-10-2008, 08:04 AM
Chong:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11099&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11099)

what are the little purple flowers under the nana?

bencelest
07-10-2008, 11:01 AM
truly I don''t know Mskitty. I just buy them at Costco as a present to my wife when she complained that our yard used to be so beautiful because of the flowers I planted. It's annual all I can say.

Richard
07-10-2008, 11:13 AM
what are the little purple flowers under the nana?

Looks to me like trailing petunias.

mskitty38583
07-10-2008, 12:19 PM
they are very pretty!

bencelest
07-10-2008, 12:21 PM
I googled petunias and sure it is petunia. Thank you Mskitty.
PS: I don't get lock out anymore.

chong
07-24-2008, 07:43 PM
Remember these Dwarf Lady Fingers:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11025&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11025&ppuser=567)

Well, they now look like these. The fat one from above is now the three-in-a-pot in the middle of the photo, the skinny one is on the left, the one on the right is also a DLF from a different source in San Diego:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11713&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11713&ppuser=567)

However, the tall skinny one is sporting a red upper midrib!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11712&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11712&ppuser=567)
None of the other three, nor the one from San Diego has it. Has anyone out there, who has Dwarf Lady Finger, ever seen this characteristic in their DLF? I am inclined to believe that this skinny one may be a M. Basjoo?????

Opinions, please.

Thanks.

Chong

chong
07-24-2008, 07:54 PM
This is what the first 2 Dwarf Lady Fingers, from the same eBay Seller, look like in 07-20-2008:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11714&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11714&ppuser=567)
No red upper mid-rib.

austinl01
07-24-2008, 10:03 PM
Here's how my pergola plat looks like as of 7 9 08

The PP is at the background

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11140&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11140)

Hey, Benny. What bananas are in the pots there in the front? They look nice with thick trunks. Sorry if you've already answered this question.

bencelest
07-25-2008, 03:37 PM
Austin:
No one really ask me that before and I want to make sure for my answer.
It is Raja Puri.
I believe for me it is the easiest to take care of.

bencelest
08-23-2008, 12:09 PM
Here's an update on my pergola plat project.
I set aside working on my pergola plat but instead I am enclosing my open patio with glass all around so I can put my potted bananas there. I might dig some of the smaller banana plants and put them in my patio. i plan to add a ventless gas heater also if time permits.

<img src="http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5008/enclosingapatio81808dj4.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" />

bencelest
08-23-2008, 12:29 PM
I am also building a tool shed that I might use to hide my bananas next winter also.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12640&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12640)

Ahava
08-24-2008, 06:40 AM
Here's how my pergola plat looks like as of 7 9 08

The PP is at the background

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11140&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11140)

The banana on the right side. I see you have a black strappy thing around it. What is that? Because my bananas, tend to throw HUGE leaves, (they're still a bit tender) and then lean over a bit. That strap thing seems like it might but very helpful for such a thing.

microfarmer
08-24-2008, 12:34 PM
It looks like a big, fat, zip tie. I imagine it helps to keep the leaves out of the pathways...:lurk:

Ahava
08-24-2008, 04:19 PM
I guess that makes sense. I just want to do something for them because two of them at some point bent enough, that they almost snapped... I thought about trying to stake them for a bit, but I don't know if it's a good idea for bananas :/

mskitty38583
08-24-2008, 05:13 PM
when i planted my saba and oronico outside the 1st of may they both leaned. i put a stake in the ground and tide them loosely with a soft yarn, a month later i took it down and they are now standing straight and tall. staking didnt hurt mine they shouldnt hurt yours.

Ahava
08-24-2008, 06:06 PM
I will try that. Thank you MsKitty. I love you :)

mskitty38583
08-24-2008, 06:22 PM
:woohoonaner:

Chironex
08-24-2008, 06:30 PM
Benny, Is that just the way the sun is hitting the leaf on the banana among the yellow flowers, or is it some chlorosis?

CookieCows
08-24-2008, 06:52 PM
:lurk: Good grief, I haven't looked at your project in awhile! Changes, improvements, beautiful color and such growth!!

I LOVE IT!!

Deb

bencelest
08-29-2008, 10:43 AM
You guys are all correct.
It is a big zip tie to let the banana stems together. Somehow, the stems are separating so I put a zip tie around it to keep it together.
My bananas are not 100% healthy so it may be chlorosis. I don't know. I just let them be and hope for the best.
When I add calcium and boron I think they are improving a lot now.
Sorry I've been very busy lately and I seldom come here now.

bencelest
08-29-2008, 10:45 AM
Here's a strange looking leaf coming out from my dwarf Brazilian.
Could it be a flag leaf?
I hope so.
But of course it is not the ideal time to have one because Winter is right around the corner.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12797&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12797)

bencelest
08-29-2008, 10:57 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12798&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12798)

I just transferred some of my banana pups from my pergola plat to pots and will leave them to my newly glassed side patio for the winter.

Ahava
08-29-2008, 07:03 PM
Beautiful. Looks like a lot of hard work. The patio has certainly come a long way!

bencelest
08-29-2008, 11:37 PM
Thank you very much Amber.
But I know there are so much more work ahead but I love every minute working for it.
The problem is I don't have much time to do it.

bencelest
08-30-2008, 12:12 AM
And here's how it looks on the other side of the patio

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12817&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12817)


It is still a lot of mess but I'm getting there.

Oh, BTW I did not see your post Deb.
I thank you for your compliments.

bencelest
08-30-2008, 12:18 AM
And here's how it looks on the other side of the patio

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12817&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12817)

Ahava
08-30-2008, 12:20 AM
OMG tons of work. But I love the style of that bench. I see the nanners tucked into the corner. The second pic actually gives one a good idea of the size. It looks like it's going to be nice and big. It's really nice even unfinished. You've come so far with it.

bencelest
08-31-2008, 03:07 PM
Thanks again Ahava.
So far I've patched with silicon the small holes and put clear plastics on larger ones. I can see the difference in temperature at night. But I am not finish yet just temporarily set so my bananas can rest comfortably at night. I am moving my bananas so they can get the maximum sunshine during daytime.

Richard
08-31-2008, 07:30 PM
Benny, it looks really great!

:woohoonaner:

bencelest
09-01-2008, 12:38 PM
THanks Riichard.

bencelest
09-06-2008, 10:39 AM
Here's my dwarf Brazilian planted in my pergola plat. It has a flag leaf!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12991&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12991)

bencelest
09-06-2008, 10:42 AM
And here's an update to my enclosed-glassed -side patio --my bananas and other plants secured for the winter cold.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12992&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12992)

magicgreen
09-06-2008, 02:08 PM
You did well Benny!!!

mskitty38583
09-06-2008, 11:13 PM
awesome benny! i havent started getting mine ready for winter yet. im gonna wait for another week or two. im gonna take 2 pups off each plant(well the ones that have more then 2 pups anyway) and get them potted up and spray them down a few times then ship them into the den. they just started getting straw in at the feed stores and the fruit markets, so thats first on my list.

harveyc
09-07-2008, 12:03 AM
Benny, you have more than a flag, that's your flower bud showing. Congrats! I know it's been quite a challenge in your cool summer climate and it's good to see you rewarded for your efforts. I hope you're able to keep it protected without having to freeze your butt off too much like you did in January 2007 with your Cal Gold. Seeing your wood stove out there made me picture you huddled out there in the cold and stoking your fire in the freezing weather. lol

damaclese
09-07-2008, 09:16 AM
wow that imaged of the wood stove brings back memory's don't ever want to go there again! don't miss the 20 ft snow drift over the driveway or having to have the truck pulled out of the ditch ever winter or having to push the snow off the roof to keep the Waite down and the deadly 3ft icicles that can fall and kill you need i say more!

island cassie
09-07-2008, 09:27 AM
Benny - congratulations on the dwarf brazillian flower - nice work!!
Cassie

mskitty38583
09-07-2008, 12:50 PM
wow that imaged of the wood stove brings back memory's don't ever want to go there again! don't miss the 20 ft snow drift over the driveway or having to have the truck pulled out of the ditch ever winter or having to push the snow off the roof to keep the Waite down and the deadly 3ft icicles that can fall and kill you need i say more!


ha ha lol. been there done that, dont ever care to do it again!!!!

bencelest
09-08-2008, 08:25 AM
Thank you Lynn, Harvey, Mskitty and Cassie for your replies.

bencelest
09-08-2008, 08:38 AM
Harvey. I don't have anymore the wood stove.
My neighbor complained one day that there were too much smoke coming from my yard and they called the fire department.
They gave me a warning that next time I will get a fine (It was not safety-fire-coded).
So I got rid of the wood stove and surround my patio with glass.
Now it is clean and I like it.

harveyc
09-08-2008, 08:47 AM
Benny, if you need to make a fire again, just throw a BBQ grill on whatever you end up using and say you're getting ready to BBQ a whole pig or something. As far as I know, there aren't safety regulations that pertain to Weber BBQ grills, etc. I BBQ whole trip tip roasts in a steel barrel with wood on the bottom.

If that doesn't work, dream up some religious ceremony story. ;)

Still, smoke is not fun to deal with and I hope your enclosures provide the protection you need.

I got tired of nuisance neighbors and moved back to the farm 14 years ago and like it. Even my neighbors now being 600 feet away is too close sometimes, though I like my neighbors. I'm the friendly type. lol

bencelest
09-09-2008, 07:30 AM
Harvey:
It is not that easy for me.
My wife for one thing can not stand the farm life though I am a farmer by heart.
So, I have to tolerate my pesky neighbor. That's not the only thing she did to us. I suspect she even poisoned one of my cats. But I have no proof.

Richard
09-09-2008, 11:25 AM
Benny,

Last night I met a fellow who had just purchased a 10 foot by 12 foot heat mat for livestock, and paid $180. He uses two for his greenhouse during the winter. Hopefully I'll hear back soon where he purchased it. So, you can heat your patio and not build a fire.

bencelest
09-09-2008, 04:06 PM
Richard: I am shying away with any electric heater. The problem with the heatmat is it takes a lot of mega electric to turn it on. It is just like turning an electric dryer all night. I bought me a soil heater that is similar to heat the floor in homes. I believe it is rated at 1800watts to 2400 watts. I never used it.
Once I got my patio enclosed, I am going to run a gas line to my patio and heat it with a ventless gas heater or tap into my existing house heat ventilation.

Ahava
09-09-2008, 04:27 PM
Grats on the flag leaf and bloom. Im sorry to hear about your cat. Some people are just out of their minds. Harvey lol @ religious ceremony! I can imagine telling the police that I have to burn wood chips in my bbq to give deference to the purple llama of sosaria. Or something. :/ ^_-.

chong
09-09-2008, 06:17 PM
Benny,
If you have a gas clothes dryer, you can vent it out to your enclosure and get heat that would otherwise get dumped outside. You get the extra bonus of the humidity increase in your enclosure. In order to keep the lint from going into your enclosure, put an old pantyhose at the outlet of the exhaust duct(hose). Then, periodically replace the pantyhose whne it gets full.

Come to think of it, you can do the same with an electric clothes dryer, too!

Chong

microfarmer
09-09-2008, 11:24 PM
Benny,
If you have a gas clothes dryer, you can vent it out to your enclosure and get heat that would otherwise get dumped outside. You get the extra bonus of the humidity increase in your enclosure. In order to keep the lint from going into your enclosure, put an old pantyhose at the outlet of the exhaust duct(hose). Then, periodically replace the pantyhose whne it gets full.

Come to think of it, you can do the same with an electric clothes dryer, too!

Chong

Hey Benny, that's a great idea! I was thinking of how I could do this same thing over the winter with an insulated duct from my garage to my patio plat. I would dry clothes at night when it is the coldest. Heck, I get up at 3:30-4am usually, just in time to turn it on. All I need is the low cycle for a longer time and let the sun do the rest in the daytime.

I'm also thinking about a 120volt heat bulb (heat lamp like in a motel bathroom). It's only 100-175 watts (alot less than the cables or mat), and will do wonders at night. I'll put it on a thermostat so it'll kick on and off at set temperatures, and aim it at the soil to warm it, and then heat, being heat, will rise to warm the overstory. You could even put different bulbs in for the summer to highlight your plants!

Maybe I need a plat closer to my garage to utilize all that dryer heat...hmmm...that's doable...:ha:

Richard
09-09-2008, 11:35 PM
Richard: I am shying away with any electric heater. The problem with the heatmat is it takes a lot of mega electric to turn it on. It is just like turning an electric dryer all night. I bought me a soil heater that is similar to heat the floor in homes. I believe it is rated at 1800watts to 2400 watts. I never used it.
Once I got my patio enclosed, I am going to run a gas line to my patio and heat it with a ventless gas heater or tap into my existing house heat ventilation.

1800 Watts? That's nuts!! These are 1/10th of that. In an enclosed area, they will raise temperatures from the 30's to the 40's. Of course, they are not made for freezing or sub-zero weather conditions.

bencelest
09-10-2008, 11:16 AM
Wow! That's a lot of savings.
Please let me know when you get the news or email me.
Your babaco is doing great in my enclosed patio so is my priced Viente Cohol.

bencelest
09-10-2008, 11:20 AM
PS
next time you send babaco, keep it on the dry side.
I got yours with full of mildew and colored green from mildew.
I washed it with 5% clorox before I transplant it.

bencelest
09-10-2008, 11:31 AM
Amber:
I was so attached to my cat that even now, I was thinking about her. She was so attached to me and very closed to me. Thanks to her sister who was once very wild and lived outside and could not be approached turned around when her sister was gone and my wife could not make her remove her nose from my toes. She loved my toes so much and licked my arms and feet all the time. And wanted to play or just sit on my lap.
Thanks!

Benny

bencelest
09-10-2008, 11:38 AM
Chong:
Yes, I thought of that when we attended a party and someone asked me how to take care of her bananas. I found out that she has a matured cherimoya growing next to her dryer outlet vent outside with lots of fruit and her secret was her dryer.
So I looked for some ways how I can divert the same to my bananas. I could not. My wife was all against my plans because the vent will be showing and my dryer was about 70feet away.
Thanks for the thought.
I'd give my 'right arm' to grow cherimoya.

Benny

bencelest
09-10-2008, 11:46 AM
Microfarmer:
I tried the 75w to 150 watt light bulbs to heat my bananas but I found out the most economical and better distribution of heat are the mini Christmas lights. That's what I saved the fruits of my california gold because each light is only 4 watts. Gas heat is more economical though.

damaclese
09-10-2008, 02:23 PM
Benny,
If you have a gas clothes dryer, you can vent it out to your enclosure and get heat that would otherwise get dumped outside. You get the extra bonus of the humidity increase in your enclosure. In order to keep the lint from going into your enclosure, put an old pantyhose at the outlet of the exhaust duct(hose). Then, periodically replace the pantyhose whne it gets full.

Come to think of it, you can do the same with an electric clothes dryer, too!

ChongVenting a gas dryer in to part of your house is quite dangers the vent fums are fatal!

chong
09-10-2008, 02:52 PM
Venting a gas dryer in to part of your house is quite dangers the vent fums are fatal!

It is not. As I've indicated before, I am a mechanical engineer who designs HVAC for buildings. I have specified direct fired gas heating systems for office buildings and they wouldn't be allowed by code if they were unsafe. There are two byproducts of direct fired gas heating units: steam and carbon dioxide. As long as the burner gets sufficient oxygen, from the over abundance of air from the atmosphere, the product of combustion will always be carbon dioxide and steam. Carbon monoxide will only result if the burner is starved for oxygen.

The best way to ensure that you have adequate source of air is to have a small opening on an outside wall adjacent to the burning equipment. In the case of a gas dryer, a 6-inch opening would be sufficient. Make sure that you have a metal screen to ward off insects.

Benny, when you install your ventless gas heater, make sure you have a source opening for outside air, otherwise you will starve the room of oxygen and the burner will produce Carbon Monoxide before the burner stops burning. When that happens, all your plants will be killed. If your heater does not have the instructions for the fresh air opening requirements, PM me with the BTU/h rating of the heater (and the brand and model number would help), and I can give the proper size of opening for it. Also, that source should be in close proximity of the unit.

Chironex
09-10-2008, 02:53 PM
Venting a gas dryer in to part of your house is quite dangers the vent fums are fatal!

Paully, he means the warm air exhaust, not the combustion exhaust. We have done this for years in the north.

chong
09-10-2008, 03:00 PM
Paully, he means the warm air exhaust, not the combustion exhaust. We have done this for years in the north.

Please see my previous post. In a gas dryer, the combustion exhaust is the same as the dryer vent. So this would be the same as a direct fired gas heater. A direct fired gas heater burns the fuel gas in the supply air stream, and hence does require a flue vent. Just like what Benny has for his project. An indirect gas fired heater has the burning gas in tubes, isolated from the supply air stream, and a flue gas vent will be required to exhaust the burnt gas products.

bencelest
09-10-2008, 03:36 PM
Thank you Chong for a very helpful input.
I'd call on you when I'm ready.
BTW, Joe Real doesn't post anymore.
I was in their house not too long ago and he was looking great!
But I did not asked him about why.
I am going to give him a wine making gadget once I see him again.

chong
09-10-2008, 03:51 PM
Thank you Chong for a very helpful input.
I'd call on you when I'm ready.
BTW, Joe Real doesn't post anymore.
I was in their house not too long ago and he was looking great!
But I did not asked him about why.
I am going to give him a wine making gadget once I see him again.

Please say hi to him for me when you see him. I read some posts from him from time to time in another board. I am curious about his silence myself. But he said that he won't be posting for a while. And I know he's been working on his son's rehab.

bencelest
09-10-2008, 04:54 PM
I just saw his post in another forum
Here it is. I hope he does not mind me posting it here.

Hello Fellow Citrus Lovers!

My personal thanks to all of you well-wishers! Please forgive me if I can't catch up with all the emails and postings as of late. Been really too busy with the company growing and many changes in the family... But hoping it will be back to normal sometime in the future and correspond with most you again. I'll drop in from to time to give some updates whenever I can.

Most of you already know that my son is doing okay and I am personally helping him prepare to go to college, UC Santa Barbara most likely (cannot talk him out of it). Been spending a lot of time with all my kids. And as Benny have mentioned, and Millet personally congratulated (my personal thanks Bob!), we gave celebration party to thank God for fulfilling my wife's long dream of becoming a professional Nurse. Getting into the nursing school is tough and competitive in our area, and she got in after a very long wait but finished quickly and graduated with honors, passed the NCLEX and got a job... and so we celebrated with many friends, relatives, colleagues... We've had short-step yard tour, fruit tasting, wine tasting (20 fruit wines and 4 gold medal commercial wines), plenty of food, music, karaoke, wish you were all here... and I am still cleaning up.

As a gift, and to take advantage of the excellent real estate deals, my dear wife is planning to buy us a ranch style home with a 2.3 acre backyard, and so you could only imagine how much that size of backyard is going to limit my online activities. I managed to grow 550 fruiting cultivars in a 1/50th (725 sq ft) acre backyard of our primary residence, so just imagine what I could do with 2.3 acres! Finally, I would be able to build my own dream greenhouses with land to spare. But that would be several years down the road, God willing. Meanwhile, we are working out a deal to buy this formerly $1.45M home with 2.3 acre lot that is now being sold at less than half its original price:


By joereal at 2008-09-10


Nothing is final in a volatile market. If we can't get this one, we will look for another. There's plenty to go around. I myself love the bare back yard... this place has lots of "growing" potential. I love rebuilding a yard from scratch and nothing to uproot except the wild grasses. The first plants would be citruses, pomegranates, and cold hardy avocadoes. Already my list of plants is a mile long, just inside the imaginary greenhouse, Very Happy

bencelest
09-10-2008, 05:01 PM
and here's the house he is trying to negotiate
All I can say is WOW!!!!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13136&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13136)

Chironex
09-10-2008, 05:29 PM
Holy schnikies! And did your see the word GreenhouseS ?

I have read many of JoeReal's old posts and wondered where he went. Thanks for passing along his message. Hope we see him back in action here soon.

damaclese
09-11-2008, 08:37 AM
Please see my previous post. In a gas dryer, the combustion exhaust is the same as the dryer vent. So this would be the same as a direct fired gas heater. A direct fired gas heater burns the fuel gas in the supply air stream, and hence does require a flue vent. Just like what Benny has for his project. An indirect gas fired heater has the burning gas in tubes, isolated from the supply air stream, and a flue gas vent will be required to exhaust the burnt gas products.Sorry chong! guess i should read more throughly next time LOL

bencelest
09-16-2008, 01:38 PM
Update on my pergola project
Here's the dwarf brazilian with flowers emerging planted on my pergola project 9 16 08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13277&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13277)

bencelest
09-16-2008, 01:41 PM
and of course on my project enclosing my patio with glass on the sides I installed a Bay window and in it I put the viente cohol I bought pic on the left and the babaco that I got from Richard and some pepper plants. On the background on your right is a super dwarf cavendish that I separate from the mom and also I transferred the mom to a 15 gallon pot which will stay inside for the winter.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13276&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13276)


From left to Right
Viente Cohol
babaco
3 pepper plants
super dwarf cavendish
the larger banana at the background was outside planted on a wine barrel and it is dwarf orinoco

BabyBlue11371
09-16-2008, 07:45 PM
Benny,
I love your "Project"!! pretty and functional!!!
the interesting heating conversations were great reading too!!

Gina *BabyBlue*

bencelest
09-17-2008, 09:13 AM
Thank you Gina and thanks to all who participated to a lively conversation here.
Viva Banana Forum!

bencelest
09-17-2008, 10:18 AM
Gina:
I found a picture for the CG I was talking about. Pic taken and transplanted on 9 6 08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13309&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13309)

bencelest
09-26-2008, 11:42 AM
here are some of my pups so far:


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13481&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13481)

bencelest
09-26-2008, 11:45 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13482&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13482)

bencelest
09-26-2008, 11:48 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13484&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13484)

bencelest
09-26-2008, 11:49 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13483&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13483)

bencelest
09-30-2008, 11:05 AM
9 29 08
dwarf Brazilian planted in my pergola plat

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13633&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13633)

bencelest
10-01-2008, 11:17 AM
newly built glass enclosure for my potted bananas and citrus as a protection for this winter. All glass enclosures are from shower sliding glass doors I bought from a recycle place for $5 a piece.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13675&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13675)

bencelest
10-01-2008, 01:28 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13676&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13676)

bencelest
10-01-2008, 01:29 PM
pergola plat 10 1 08

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13677&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13677)

bencelest
10-01-2008, 05:20 PM
I just transferred a Mahoi pup from my pergola plat to a half wine barrel this morning. Good size. Can be seen as the third plant from top right.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13681&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13681)

Tropicallvr
10-01-2008, 06:11 PM
Nice, it looks like your project is really starting to come to fruition!

bencelest
10-02-2008, 09:43 AM
Thanks Kyle. I am just getting them ready for the winter. Ilearned from my mistakes and will try to avoid them.

bencelest
10-02-2008, 09:43 AM
Sweetheart No 1

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13689&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13689)

sweetheart no 2

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=13690&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13690)

microfarmer
10-02-2008, 09:06 PM
My, how your babies have grown!

Great price on the shower doors! It can't compare with my windows I got for free, though...keep trying:ha:

I hope you have no losses this winter!

Jeff

bencelest
10-23-2008, 10:13 AM
Here's another project I am doing.
Installing a 13foot glass roof for my bananas to protect them this winter
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=14122&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14122)

bencelest
10-23-2008, 10:17 AM
Here are my bananas that were just moved inside the glass roof. From the inside looking out.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=14123&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14123)

bencelest
10-23-2008, 10:18 AM
Another angle

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=14124&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14124)

ursula
10-23-2008, 10:21 AM
i cant wait for next spring.
1 to see what the plumeria does
2 to start again with mt bananas and to transplant my chinese pups
i cant wait for spring period!
ursula

bencelest
10-23-2008, 05:46 PM
Ursula:
Yes, me too. But I have to prepare for the frost times with my babies first.

NANAMAN
10-24-2008, 06:36 AM
Project is looking good Benny!

bencelest
10-28-2008, 08:57 AM
Thanks! Brian.

bencelest
10-28-2008, 09:05 AM
Pergola plat at closer look

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=14292&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14292)

bencelest
10-28-2008, 09:08 AM
and from a distance

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=14293&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14293)

Planter56
10-28-2008, 07:17 PM
I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but what the heck is a plat?

chong
10-28-2008, 08:57 PM
I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but what the heck is a plat?

A section or portion of land used for a specific purpose, e.g., for gardening, raising certain type vegetables, patio, etc.

Planter56
10-29-2008, 08:10 AM
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! A 'plot' :0519:
learn something new everyday :goteam:

bencelest
10-29-2008, 11:02 AM
plat- 1. - a map showing planned or actual features of an area( street and building lots etc.)
2. a small area of usually open land

bencelest
11-04-2008, 10:17 AM
Update on my Viente Cohol. As of 11 4 08. On each side are super dwarf cavendish.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=14391&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14391)

Richard
11-26-2008, 07:21 PM
Hey Benny,

About 10 months ago you asked me to convert the PDF gardening guides on my website to HTML for easier reading. Today I managed to do just that!
Monthly column (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/column)
Guides (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/guides)

Just in time for winter reading :ha:

harveyc
11-26-2008, 07:54 PM
Is it really winter already??? My bananas are still growing, but barely. Today was gloomy and rained lightly most of the day so it's been a good day for reading and getting my son to shell a lot of walnuts.

Finally catching up on old e-mails. A friend from another group took advantage of a tip passed on from Pete to me and than from me to him and bought 16 slightly used 400w metal hallide lights for about $65 and he'll make me a deal on a couple so that I can skip the winter for a portion of my plants. ;)

Thanks Richard,

Harvey