View Full Version : supporting fruit with pvc...did I do it right? pics in gallery
So I was informed that I needed to support (Thanks Chong) my fruit. I uploaded pictures to my gallery of what we rigged up with the help of some great links and info on this site. I would love some feedback. I know the plant still needs to hang...right? So we tried to be non-invasive and still support it, and make sure it is hanging at a good angle but I don't know if it's hanging enough. Do you think it's okay? The tree was leaning pretty good so we supported the main tree also not just the fruit.
Jen
Gabe15
08-09-2008, 09:30 AM
That looks great Jen, so long as it stays sturdy that will do the trick.
Richard
08-09-2008, 09:55 AM
Definitely a professional installation. You earn 5 stars for the day!
MediaHound
08-09-2008, 10:17 AM
Good job!
If the wind kicks up do you think it can fall? Sometimes its good to attach it to the plant with a tie of some sort.
You guys are gonna enjoy those bananas! Take lots of pics!
MediaHound
08-09-2008, 10:19 AM
Also I sometimes like to spraypaint mine with green spraypaint to make it blend in, just an idea. Yours is in the back though so its not like it will stand out in the view from the curb...
I'm so glad it's okay. I'm not sure about the wind thing I think we should tie it like you suggested just in case. It is such an eyesore and so in the way and I could care less. I love that thing! :)
Hey, I have no idea how long to leave it. How do you know when the fruit is ready to cut down? I read 70 days. Is that true? That's a long time.
We haven't really gotten a firm ID on the plant but Gabe thinks it's a Mysore and he is pretty much a banana genius from what I gather so Im going on that assumption. He has however reserved the right to change his mind as the flower develops. :)
Jen
chong
08-09-2008, 12:05 PM
To be sure that the fruits have fully filled out, you would want to keep the bunch on the plant until one or more of the fruits starts to turn yellow. Then you can cut the entire bunch down. If you want to get the full flavor, you can wait until a hand has turned yellow, unless one of the fruits pop and break its skin(peel). When one of the fruits break its skin, the rest will follow. So, you really need to cut the bunch down, in order to stop the fruits from absorbing more nutrients from the plant.
harveyc
08-09-2008, 12:16 PM
Nobody has mentioned this yet, but it looks like your PVC pipes are just resting on the concrete. If there isn't anything to stop them from sliding (besides gravity), that can be a problem if the wind blows the plant up towards the house. Also, if you used 45 degree elbows like it looks (and as Jon suggests), the increasing weight could spread the legs of your support out. Maybe your legs are somehow secured, but the Bananas.org watermark obscures the bottom of your photo.
Good luck!
chong
08-09-2008, 12:29 PM
Good job!
If the wind kicks up do you think it can fall? Sometimes its good to attach it to the plant with a tie of some sort.
You guys are gonna enjoy those bananas! Take lots of pics!
Great job Jen!
Jarred has a point. You might want to get a fat rope to tie the stem to the yoke of your prop. Ideally, the prop should be placed below the apex of the arch of the stem. As the fruits fill out, the weight gets heavier, thus will force the plant to lean towards the prop. This will loosen the contact between the stem and the yoke, and cause the prop to breakaway from the plant. I say fat rope, 1/2" should be adequate, because a skinny rope will cut into the stem more easily.
One other thing, you sure take great pictures!
As usual....THANK YOU! You guys are so much help. No the bottom is just sitting on the concrete and what you said makes sense. We have some errrands to run so we are gonna add some rope to the list and secure it as you described.
Thanks Chong. :)
pitangadiego
08-09-2008, 11:32 PM
The only change I would make is to use tees instead of elbows, then you can run a wire through the prop, and around the stem, so that it doesn't fall out of position when the wind blows. At certain times of the year (Santa Ana winds, etc.) that is important
http://webebananas.com/bpix/BP952-34.jpg
http://webebananas.com/bpix/BP952-20.jpg
Good photo to explain what your talking about. Love it. I printed it out and when hubby wakes up I will show him. We have to do something else to secure it either rope or this becasue I do think with it just on the concrete we are asking for trouble. Thanks.
Jen
tlturbo
08-11-2008, 07:46 AM
70 days? I don't think there are any bananas that will ripen in just a little over 2 months. I have quite a few varieties and they all take right at 4 months to ripen. Sometime a few more weeks. Your location isn't shown on your profile and I'm in S Florida so if you are in a cooler climate, it will probably take longer. Like was already mentioned, unless you have to cut the bunch off, leave it on the plant until you see a banana or two turning yellow. Then cut it off and lay or hang it somewhere - I don't bother to hang it - doesn't seem to make a difference so I just put mine on a piece of cardboard on the porch. BUT BE CAREFUL - the sap from your cuts is sticky and WILL stain clothing (and concrete) badly.
Terry
island cassie
08-11-2008, 04:23 PM
Yep - I'm with Terry at about 4 months.
Cassie
chong
08-11-2008, 04:45 PM
70 days? I don't think there are any bananas that will ripen in just a little over 2 months. I have quite a few varieties and they all take right at 4 months to ripen. Sometime a few more weeks. Your location isn't shown on your profile and I'm in S Florida so if you are in a cooler climate, it will probably take longer. Like was already mentioned, unless you have to cut the bunch off, leave it on the plant until you see a banana or two turning yellow. Then cut it off and lay or hang it somewhere - I don't bother to hang it - doesn't seem to make a difference so I just put mine on a piece of cardboard on the porch. BUT BE CAREFUL - the sap from your cuts is sticky and WILL stain clothing (and concrete) badly.
Terry
Seņorita will ripen in 45 days on the average. It is called "Quarenta Dias" (forty days) because they can ripen as early as forty days.
Chironex
08-11-2008, 05:08 PM
Seņorita will ripen in 45 days on the average. It is called "Quarenta Dias" (forty days) because they can ripen as early as forty days.
I gotta get one of those Senoritas! Anyone have any pups for trade, sale or as a freebie (I'll pay shipping and handling)?
Thanks!!!
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