Pithy_Cherub

Nope ... got 'em all trained to stay outta my plants, now!

Wooden BBQ skewers stuck pointy end down in the soil = critter pungi sticks.

Only had to put them out for awhile, until they figured out that the garden beds & pots were NOT private litter boxes. They didn't get hurt since the sharp ends were facing down, but it sure got MY point across ... NO pottying here!

When needed (once or twice a year, mebbe) I put 'em out again as a refresher/reminder.

They have little kitty posts scattered around the yard (different heights, carpet- covered) & tucked in hidey spots to make it up to them. A 4'x4' sandbox by the fence, 2 4'x4' grass boxes for lolling & snacking, & a private catnip flowerbed just for them - I think they've decided to go along w/the trade-off!

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caliboy1994

Does anyone know if this guy is still in business?

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"The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings."
~ Masanobu Fukuoka

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BobbyC

Has anyone ever been to the Aloha Tropicals nursery here in Oceanside SD CA? I was looking at there inventory of exotics online and they looked legit but there site had no adress and said visits by appointment only. Anyone?

venturabananas

He's not.

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venturabananas

I've tried, but the couple of times I've tried he's either had something else he had to do or never got back to me. I think the nursery must not be his primary source of income. I think Magilla Gorilla has visited the nursery.

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Magilla Gorilla

Aloha Mark,

I hope all is well. Hawaii is great! I have been to exotica a few times. First, lets say the owner Steve Spangler and employees/family are very earthy and natural. Their website is as old as dirt. I have bought many varieties from them including a Starfruit tree. Their prices are fair. I would make sure you make sure they are open when you stop by. If you need a phone number please let me know.
Chris Carter here on the Big Island worked there for a while.

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Andrew

sunfish

venturabananas

Hi Andrew, thanks for the info on Exotica. But I thought we were talking about Aloha Tropicals.

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Abnshrek

I like their plumeria, and Michele Alba Magnolias.. Banana's are another thing. We'll see if my supposed Haa Haa lives to see what it really is. I know my pitogo's didn't. :^)

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Magilla Gorilla

The sun in Hawaii is getting to me
Sorry! Lets try this again. I have purchased plants from Andy at Aloha Tropicals before. I have also visited his nursery. The plants have always been healthy. I have heard from others that they are not sure if they actually got the correct varieties. I have not had any flower yet to tell. His banana plants are tc's. Andy's communication skills are not the greatest. Very slow to respond to emails. When I was there at the nursery it was great. Rob in Kalapana has purchased from him as well. He does ship plants. I would say that all of us has had good, bad or indifferent experiences with lots of sellers. I would purchase from Andy again. The same goes for Steve at Exotica.

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Andrew

Abnshrek

I never had problem w/ Andy's communication skills.. I also like his papaya plants. My Haa Haa is getting a thicker base so I think my skills in growing have improved since I got the pitogo 4 years ago I surely could grow much other than veggies then.. :^)

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venturabananas

I think bananas are easier to grow than most veggies, at least in my climate! They're just slooooooooooooooooooow.

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Abnshrek

Well when you add in cold like mine, soil mix really makes a difference to prevent rott, keeping young plants in mostly shade for a couple weeks, the learning curve makes a difference. :^)

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venturabananas

Yes, that's true -- I learned those lessons the hard way, too. I guess what would be more accurate to say is that bananas are pretty tough once they are established -- and in my climate, aren't susceptible to all the darn fungi and bugs that attack my veggies.

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Abnshrek

Established banana's are beasts except to the cold.. and for veggies sulpher goes a long way to keeping them leaf eaters away. :^)

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tcvray

Can't seem to find the thread with Doug's contact info, I'm also from California and would love it if someone could connect me

sunfish