Quote:
Originally Posted by caliboy1994
I am so envious right now. My Raja Puri is pathetic compared to yours, and my Namwah is a joke thanks to that creeping fig that's invading its root system. The largest p-stem on my RP is at about 5' right now and it's just about ready to throw a bud. When it bloomed last it was at 5' and a half about.
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Hello Caliboy,
Sorry to hear about your woes...difficulties in Tampa are:
Squirrels
Squirrels
Squirrels
Tropical Hurricane/Depression/Storm Force Winds
Occasional Freezes...
Quote:
Originally Posted by caliboy1994
What do you use for fert? Just wood chips/compost?
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Horse Poo, Coffee Grounds and Compost..I have never spent a dime on fertilizer (no worries I have wasted the gardening budget on many other crazy things:-)
The best fertilizer I ever used was 1,000 pounds of Shrimp Shells (I got for free from a local Shrimp processing plant)...the Sabas were 5 feet in Circumference and over 25 feet tall (I used to have the pics posted; but deleted them for personal reasons). Massive!....then I layered horse poo on top.
Following is a repeat of a post on another thread:
'Praying Hands' and jumbo leaves
We focus on creating the "Forest Floor"...I have been in the same house for 21 years and growing bananas for over 40 years.....I have never used chemical fertilizers (and I am not knowledgeable enough on this topic to debate those that do..just stating my experience)....I have had some trial and error....one time I was sitting in the back yard and it was like someone came through with a saw and cut everything down...I had added too much horse manure too close to the mattes and everything just fell over..."Live and Learn"
We add about 5 tons of leaves a year
5 tons of tree mulch
5 tons of horse manure a year
and that is the bulk of it
..sorta speak
And "We" keep the rodent population in check:
Squirrel Patrol:
Rat Patrol:
Mosquito Control:
Bug Control:
Lil' help from Mrs. Rmplmnz
Check out Gene Joyner's Forrest Floor:
In 1992 I visited Gene Joyner’s Unbelievable Acres. Gene had a location for tree services to drop loads (with a big sign “No Black Olive Mulch”.
Unbelievable Acres Botanic Gardens - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Check out this video:
A Botanical Hidden Gem: Gene Joyner's Unbelievable Acres
If you're in West Palm Beach and craving a relaxing afternoon walk through a quiet, secluded botanical rainforest, then Gene Joyner's Unbelievable Acres Botanic Garden is for you. Located at 470 63rd Trail North, this private, non-profit, man-made reproduction of a rainforest is a wonderfully "hands on" way to learn about and experience a real rainforest.
Gene Joyner began the Garden from an empty pasture containing only two pine trees and all plants currently seen in Unbelievable Acres were planted since July, 1970. No trees were over 6 feet tall when first planted and Gene personally wheelbarrows in mulch and new plant specimens because the paths are too narrow for a tractor. You can sense and appreciate this personal touch as your guide describes the natural wonders found here, Unbelievable Acres is truly an accomplishment.
During the tour our friendly guide pointed out countless species of plants, trees and fruits while sharing a sometimes amusing history of them along with ways some species can be used in food preparation. Praying bananas trees, angel trumpets, sausage trees, starfruit… the sights and smells are sure to please the senses. If you are interested in a rainforest experience where you can nibble on lemony hibiscus flowers or spicy allspice leaves while taking in the beauty and wonder of nature, Unbelievable Acres is the place to go.
The tour runs every second Saturday of the month in groups of ten and the cost per person is $10. For more information please call 561-242-1686.
A Botanical Hidden Gem: Gene Joyner's Unbelievable Acres - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com