Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

:goteam:
Hi,
I've been a member a few months, but am finally getting around to introducing myself. I have an ornamental edible garden, and help with gardening programs with our local schools. Here in Alameda we have a good microclimate (9b) and fantastic sandy soil for growing bananas. I have one and two year old Orinocos, the older one has a bunch growing, hopefully it will ripen in March or April. Otherwise I have a recipe in mind if I have to harvest green. (Think of a Caribbean style curry dish with the babies naners as the starch.) I also have some tissue cultured Red Jamaican and Mahoi babies about a foot tall in pots. I have my gazebo encased in plastic sheeting through the cold weather, and have a variety of pepper plants in there, and have been able to harvest peppers year round, with plants up to three years old. The entire perimeter of my garden is planted in dwarf espaliered fruit trees, with a hedge of citrus along my Northern fence. I also have tons of Tropicana cannas, which, along with the bananas give my garden a tropical look. My goal was to create a demonstration garden to inspire people to grow their own food, and so far, I've helped launch quite a few pale green thumbs. I'll be posting a few recipes for those of you who have had to harvest green and still want to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Cheers
Jasmine

Re: Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

Welcome from Croatia! Looks like U run an interesting project but as u know:
:pics:
:ha::ha::ha:
Show us your garden, I belive we can learn a lot from You!;)
:woohoonaner:

Re: Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

Welcome, Jasmine!
I was in SF about 5 years ago and it was SO COLD I was amazed that bananas would grow there......until I saw the huge Ensete next to the bridge near the conservatory in Golden Gate State Park. I can certainly see how temperature/days might be a problem in ripening, so it's good you have a plan. Happy growing!:bananas_b

Re: Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

Re: Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

Hi Jasmine,

what's thís winter like in the bay area?

Re: Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

Welcome, Jasmine, from the beautiful (but cold) state of Maryland! We'd love to see some pics of your gardens uploaded into your Photo Gallery.

Re: Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

Jasmine, what a beautiful name and your garden sounds equally beautiful. Kudos on the community work that you do. I hope your neighborhood appreciates your efforts. Here on the forum I'm sure you'll find people that have the knowledge to assist you in your zone. BUT

You have to ask!!!!!!!!

Please send pictures.

Re: Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area!!
 

How wonderful ! I've always been curious if climate of the SF Bay Area could grow nanners, lovely to hear o your success :)