modenacart

I am about to add some dirt to my banana bed and raise the dirt level maybe about 8 inches. should I dig the bananas up and replant or leave them where they are?

Thanks,

Joshua

Lagniappe

Hi Joshua ,
I did this earlier this year and on a large scale . My plants were getting wet feet from the clay soil under my beds so I raised them . The first few I raised were left in place and even withmy super well drainig mix of munure compost ,rice hulls ,.... I had pooling prblems . But what's more , I restricted the oxgen of the root zone by piling soil on top . I never piled soil to touching the plant for fear that it woul rot it . I went back and dug them all up and did it right . I raised some beds 3" and some 12 " . There have been no drainage issues since. The only concern I have is that the plants I overwinter outdoors may face a greater freeze threat.
In the spring these beds should warm up faster .

If you decide to pile the dirt around the plant you should watch for signs of anaerobic conditions . And if you don't want to dig them up you may be able to remedy this with aerated compost tea or a peroxide solution. However , an ounce of prevention.... .

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Randy4ut

Joshua,
My personal opinion on this would be to replant them at the correct soil level... I would be afraid of "smothering" the roots/ mats. I know it involves alot more work, but in the long run, it would truly be the best thing you could do... Sorry to pile more work on you, but you surely do not want to lose them... That is all I have to say on that, as my hero (Forest Gump) so aply says...

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pitangadiego

Just add compost and mulch at 4" thick, and then another 4" in the Spring. Next generation of pups will probably be higher naturally, so just add organics as the patch "rises" naturally.

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bananimal

I have been doing exactly what Pitangadiego says since day 1.

Topdress the mat area twice a year with 4 inches of compost - I use Black Cow composted cow manure followed 6 months later with BC mushroom compost. The plants love it and it helps control friggin' nematodes.

Dan

MediaHound

Do it slowly, in phases, and you can probably leave them where they are.
(what they said )

Tangy

What is the ideal depth for the banana plant to be planted at? Does it vary for diferent types of bananas?

Thanks

Michael

modenacart

Thanks for the information. I plan on adding horse manure. There is a farm that gives it out free. I guess I will just add about four inches this time and another next summer.

cactus6103

I guess it would all depend on how many banana plants we are talking about. If it is just a few, I would dig them up, raise the bed then replant. Otherwise, I like the idea of adding a little twice a year. Good luck with the bed. Red

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MediaHound

I plant the corm just where the pink pseudostem starts changing color. If you look closely, there's usually a ring of color changing a couple inches above the round "bulb".