hdynad

Love it, thanks master beam!


Darla

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Currently growing, , DGM Highgate, Blue Java, Dwarf Red, Dwarf Brazilian , Ensete Glaucum, Pitogo, Hoa Moa, Raja Puri, Thai Black, VG Chaing Rai, Manzano, Praying Hands. Yunnan, Hawiaan Crown, Dwarf Red Plantain

beam2050

thank you and as a side note; if you set it on concrete the heat will mmmmmmmake [stuttered] the lime in the concrete pop, set something underneath. and do not use pressure treat wood.

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npk of wood ash 0/1/3 to 0/3/7

npk of banana leaf ash 1.75/0.75/0.5

hdynad

Thanks again Master Beam!!!

**** update****
3d flag leaf on Blue Java, this thing is a beast!!!!

Happy growing,
DARLA

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Currently growing, , DGM Highgate, Blue Java, Dwarf Red, Dwarf Brazilian , Ensete Glaucum, Pitogo, Hoa Moa, Raja Puri, Thai Black, VG Chaing Rai, Manzano, Praying Hands. Yunnan, Hawiaan Crown, Dwarf Red Plantain

pjkfarm

Will bamboo ashes work? Should as it is cellulose. . . but see below - hardwood asahes have more potassium than softwood (as bamboosero, will need to do some research :-)
Guess one can have some bio-char at the same time (or at least charcoal for those that did not burn. I am thinking of our basjoo and need for mulch, especially winter time and the fact that we are experimenting with burying it deeper. If it works for the basjoo, can try on the edibles. . .
Thanks for reminding me that wood ashes are such a good source of potassium - totally forgot :-(
Here is something that covers ashes - and amount to use:
Can Ashes be Harmful?
Yes, if too much is used. Ashes contain chemicals, which are very alkaline with a pH of 10 to 12. They are
harmful at high rates, especially in soils that are already alkaline. Since about 80 to 90 percent of wood
ashes are water-soluble mineral matter, high rates can cause salts to build up in soils resulting in plant
injury.
What Minerals Do Wood Ashes Contain?
Wood ashes contain all the mineral elements that were in the wood. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium
carbonate or oxides are present in comparatively large quantities giving the ashes a strongly alkaline
reaction which can neutralize acid soils. However, the value of wood ashes as a plant food depends mostly
on the potassium content.
In general, wood ashes contain 5 to 7 percent potassium and 1 1/2 to 2 percent phosphorus. They also
contain 25 to 50 percent calcium compounds. Hardwood ashes contain more potassium than those from
softwood.
Wood ashes lose much of their nutrient value if they stand in the rain, because potassium and other
water-soluble nutrients leach out with water. Generally, if leached, the less soluble carbonates remain,
leaving the ashes alkaline.
How Much Should be Applied?
An average application is 5 to 10 pounds per 100 square feet scattered on a freshly tilled soil and raked in.
For a pre-plant treatment, it is best to apply ashes 3 or 4 weeks in advance of planting. They also can be
side dressed around growing plants or used as mulch.
In order to avoid problems of excess salinity, alkalinity, and plant nutrient availability, you should limit the
application of ashes to 5 pounds per 100 square feet of soil per year.
Avoid contact between freshly spread ashes and germinating seeds or new plant roots by spreading ashes a
few inches away from plants. Ashes that settle on foliage can cause burning. Prevent this by thoroughly
rinsing plants after applying ashes.
University of California Vegetable Research and Information Center
Page 2
Because ashes are alkaline, avoid using them around azaleas, camellias and other acid-loving plants. Wood
ashes are very low in nitrogen and cannot supply your plants' needs for this element. You will need to
follow your normal nitrogen fertilizer schedule when ashes are applied.

edwmax

Potassium:


0-0-50 MOP; Muriate of Potash; or Potassium Chloride (47% Chloride)



0-0-50 or 60 SOP; Sulfate of Potash; or Potassium Sulfate (54% SO)



13-0-46 Potassium Nitrate (aka: stump remover)





MOP is less costly and more available at the big box stores. But some plants are sensitive to the chloride and with heavy applications this could be a problem with bananas.


SOP cost a little more than MOP and the extra sulfur is plant usable.


Potassium Nitrate (Stump remover) is about $12 for a 5 lb bag. Cost less per lb if bought in larger bags at Fertilizer dealer. This can be easily dissolve in water and used to foilar feed the banana plants; or applied dry to the ground.



Note: After the banana plant has flowered it has been shown the nutrient up take by the roots greatly reduces but does not stop. Also it has been proven that foilar feeding nitrogen & potassium will benefit the plant & bunch before & after flowering.


So which type is mostly your choice and what is available.

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edwmax

Oh ... burning 'hardwood' does make potassium or more accurately releases the fixed potassium within the wood. The amount of potassium available depends on the type of wood and its potassium content. ... I use hard wood ashes too but not by itself.

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Spaugh

I use a potassium nitrate based fert that also includes a minor package. And get bags of potassium sulfate. The 0 0 50 is about 15$ for 50lbs from my fertilizer dealer.

Bananaman88

Looking great! We did have a very mild winter here along the SE TX Gulf Coast. I just moved about a year ago and took pups of all my bananas with me so all my pups spent last summer getting re-established; otherwise I probably would have had several fruiting this year as well.

hdynad

3 flowers now on Blue Java, this banana is crazy, good!!

Happy growing all,
Darla

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Currently growing, , DGM Highgate, Blue Java, Dwarf Red, Dwarf Brazilian , Ensete Glaucum, Pitogo, Hoa Moa, Raja Puri, Thai Black, VG Chaing Rai, Manzano, Praying Hands. Yunnan, Hawiaan Crown, Dwarf Red Plantain

crazy banana

Because it originally came from CRAZY BANANA
Sorry, could not resist. Congratulations.

hdynad

LOL, I know that's right!!

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Currently growing, , DGM Highgate, Blue Java, Dwarf Red, Dwarf Brazilian , Ensete Glaucum, Pitogo, Hoa Moa, Raja Puri, Thai Black, VG Chaing Rai, Manzano, Praying Hands. Yunnan, Hawiaan Crown, Dwarf Red Plantain

HMelendez

Congrats Darla!.....



WOW!....Three Ice Cream Blue Java flowering/blooming!....Amazing!.....That is completely right!....I totally agree!.....That banana is completely crazy therefore it’s a CRAZY BANANA!.....LOL!.....

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beam2050

got to thinking about it. here is something ideal for burning stick and charcoal.

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npk of wood ash 0/1/3 to 0/3/7

npk of banana leaf ash 1.75/0.75/0.5