Hello
 

My name is Kelly and I'm new to growing banana plants. I live in Iowa so I'm growing indoors in pots. I don't have a very green thumb so I will need all the help and suggestions I can get. It is nice to know that there are others who are willing to share their knowledge with me. I don't post a lot but I do read them frequently. I don't know anyone who grows bananas so it is great to have a place where I can ask questions.

Re: Hello
 

Hello, Welcome & Happy Growing.. :^)

Re: Hello
 

Welcome to the Jungle!!!
Where lots of people know lots of stuff.
The search button at the top of your page is your friend :woohoonaner:

Re: Hello
 

Hello and welcome! I'm sure we all are, I know I am, excited and pleased to help anyone in need, especially who lives in a non-tropical environment. :)

The basics to banana growing to me, especially indoors, is pretty much to give them maximum light you have, expect growth only above 60 degrees, expect that they will need constant and lots of water and fertilizer (it's up to you if you want to go the artificial or natural route) and don't expect fruit til they are at a mature age and height. Most won't flower until after a year old in indoor conditions, and fruit ripening will take a minimum 6 months for most varieties.

I don't know if you have the space, but if you're looking into this becoming an addiction, which trust me it will attempt to become one at the least, you can look into getting or making a greenhouse if you have the room. Even an attached one to the south side of your house is also great for keeping your place warmer in the winter. Bananas do great in greenhouses, and if it isn't heated, - sealing it well and using non-conventional heating methods can do wonders. Also focusing on more cold tolerant cultivars helps too.

Re: Hello
 

Hey Kelly!

Glad you made it here. You done good to just jump in and post.

This is a great group, and they will make you feel right at home.
So don't feel shy, post as often as you can. Show your support
to others, like you, who join.

As time goes along, some of this stuff will rub off on you, and the
next thing you know you will be helping others.

I know you will enjoy being able to gain the knowledge to become
just another Banana!