Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Hi my name is Orin, brand new user. I live in the Central Valley of California. I have ordered three Praying Hands Banana plants. This will be my first attempt at growing bananas. I understand that that I will need to take measures to control for cold. I am thinking that this will mean a winter greenhouse (skeletal wood frame w/ clear plastic). I will buy an oil filled heater w/ thermostat for this "banana shack." I may have a problem w/ lack of humidity in the summer. I am thinking that this will mean watering misters. I have some experience with hydroponics growing. I would like to grow bananas in this manner. I don't want to grow under lights, as I think that the Central Valley California weather is overall perfect. However, I would love some advice on growing mediums. I am thinking Rockwool and coco fibers in a 20 gal container/ebb and flow set-up. Very excited to be a part of this growers community.
Orin YouTube.com/familymandude:02:

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Welcome FamilyManDude, I'm sure the Californians will welcome you and get you off to a great start in no time. They are some of the best growers here and I'm sure in no time you will be too.

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Where are you in the Central Valley? Map seems to show you in Wyoming.

There are several bananas that I would think would do well there. I am new to bananas and have not lived in the Central Valley in 5 or 6 years, but the California Gold banana lives in Modesto, CA year round without protection...I think no protection. There are several other varieties that I would think would do well there, with protection.

There are members here, that live up that way. I bet some of them will pipe in and be able to better share with you.

welcome aboard.

aaron

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Bananas are heavy feeders. Your selection of rockwool and cocofiber would starve bananas quickly between drying them out. I would suggest what I use in my potted bananas prior to putting them in the ground...it is very simple. 1/3 sand, 1/3 compost, 1/3 composted manure.

I live in the Sacramento Delta area and this works for me.

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Hi John, thanks this is the kind of input that I need. My ebb and flow system would consist of a submersible-pump in a water source. It would not dry out it I have the timer set to water often, right? I was also thinking that the frequent watering would also mean frequent nutrient delivery for the heavy feeder. Sir, sincere thanks for your advice. I am just trying to clarify these points. Good thoughts to you. =^)
Orin

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Hi Aaron, I am in the Central Valley, Visalia, CA to be specific. I think that I have corrected my pin on the map. I have already bought and paid for Praying Hands so I am stuck w/ that variety, at least to begin with. I have heard a lot about So. Cali banana growers. I am hoping to get some guidance from growers there, as well as, those that have had success around here. I am just studying for now. When my plants get here I know that I will be panicked about how to care for them. Did you say Cali Gold will fruit w/ no protection? Are you sure? Thanks for your friendly greeting, Bud. Good thoughts to you. Orin

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Hi Bob, Thanks for the welcome message. I hope that I do have success. High fives to you. Orin

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Hi Orin. I don't live anywhere near California, so can't help you there. But did want to welcome you to the best banana site in the web. We're friendly, many are very experienced and informative, and some of us are just a bit crazy. I think you'll find us a likable bunch.

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

here is a link to an old ebay auction in which Jeff Earl has a description of the California Gold bananas that he raises. He is about 2 hours north of you in Modesto CA. I lived in Turlock and worked Modesto. Have been through Visalia several times but I can't remember if you are warmer or colder than Modesto.
California Gold - Cold Hardy dwarf Banana plant / tree - eBay (item 290320251856 end time Jun-01-09 09:59:07 PDT)

good luck

aaron

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Visalia is the hottest place on the face of the earth.:woohoonaner: I psent some summers down there visiting my father (who lives in Porterville, where it is just as hot but a lot more miserable).

Of course, it makes up the heat by being colder than the South Pole in the winter. Very trying growing conditions.

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

I took this picture last summer along highway 201, 10 miles north of Visalia.

Re: Greetings Friends - Please, advise for central california growing
 

Yep, you know where I live. I knew that I would need to control for cold. Now I am reading that heat will be a control issue. Might need too many provisions to make bananas worth while around here. I am still waiting for my plants to get delivered.