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jpeteintulsa
02-21-2009, 09:35 PM
I am new to bananas. Just ordered two. Rajapuri and Dwarf Cavendish. I would like to read up or get advice on soil preparation and planting. Any suggestions or instruction would be great.

Tog Tan
02-22-2009, 03:51 AM
Hi jpeteintulsa and welcome to the board! Help will be on the way before you know it!:02:

Worm_Farmer
02-22-2009, 02:15 PM
I mix up potting soil, worm castings, aged horse manure(mixed with saw dust), and crushed egg shells Also if I have some in the house I will throw in some Bone Meal, and Root Enhancer. And mulch with grass clippings and aged horse manure, and trimmings from the plant. I will cut back yellow or dead leafs and dice up the stalk and use it as a mulch also.

saltydad
02-22-2009, 02:33 PM
Howdy. Knowing where you live and what type of soil, climate, etc. will help greatly in any advice.

Edit- Duh- I just figured out your screen name. Brain is running on Sunday metabolism.

Bob
02-22-2009, 04:25 PM
Hi jpeteintulsa, are you planning on growing them in pots, the ground or combination(ground in summer pots in winter)? Right off the bat ,whatever you do provide enough ammendments to your soil or potting mix to allow good drainage and still hold water. Best of luck with your plants.

Caloosamusa
02-22-2009, 06:40 PM
Welcome to the organization jpeteintulsa,:jalapenonaner:

JPete Is that Tulsa Oklahoma? Without knowing soil type and conditions advice would be very general and not specific to your growing conditions.

Best wishes to you and welcome to the organization! :03:

chong
02-22-2009, 06:46 PM
Howdy. Knowing where you live and what type of soil, climate, etc. will help greatly in any advice.

Edit- Duh- I just figured out your screen name. Brain is running on Sunday metabolism.

Ahoy! Mr. Howard,
Reminds me of the old adage, "Who in the name of Dickens wrote 'A Tale of Two Cities'?"

New Avatar - Very nice!

STERLING
02-22-2009, 08:03 PM
welcome im new too! we have a lot to learn together!

Michael_Andrew
02-22-2009, 10:36 PM
If it's Tulsa, Ok. you can get your soil tested by the Extension Office. I know a lot of Oklahoma has the red clay.

Info here:
TULSA MASTER GARDENERS - SOIL TEST (http://www.tulsamastergardeners.org/soils/soiltest.shtml)

mskitty38583
02-22-2009, 10:39 PM
a big welcome to both of yall!:nanadrink:

jpeteintulsa
02-23-2009, 06:03 PM
I guess I should have put more information in my post. Sorry. I am here in Tulsa Oklahoma. I would like to leave the plants in the ground year round, if possible. I know I will have to make a pseudo green house for them during the winter, unless the group would suggest digging them up. If I do dig up and put in pots, can they be placed in a dark area like a garage?

Soil here isn't the best. Clay mostly so holding water isn't a problem. I have done other gardening and had to dig out clay and replace with some sand, aggregate, compost and potting soil to get a good soil/base.

Michael_Andrew
02-23-2009, 07:07 PM
Clay
Clayground gets hard when dry and also contains less oxygen. When there is a lot of rain, the roots will stand in the water and die or will suffer for diseases. When you make a planting hole you can add sand and compost but you must make sure there is good drainage at the bottom of the hole because water from the surrounding area can fill the hole and than you achieved the opposite from what you wanted.

see more here: Info:Soil - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Info:Soil)

sirmoebly
02-23-2009, 10:15 PM
"Raised beds" always works......Always know your low spots in your yard & stay away from them.....Just a thought......

Bob
02-24-2009, 11:01 AM
Jpintulsa, I doubt in your zone (is it a "warm" zone 7?) the hoop house will do the trick on its own for these varieties. A single layer of plastic will only provide a few degrees of added warmth at night. Hoop houses also would cost a fortune to heat. Probably do just the trick for basjoo or sikkimensis though. Let us know how it goes.

Patty in Wisc
03-15-2009, 12:19 AM
If I do dig up and put in pots, can they be placed in a dark area like a garage?


Yes. Keep temps 40* or higher & give very little water. They will go dormant.