Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

I much prefer using balanced compost judiciously. Annuals last a season with a healthy dose when planted; amending perennials annually works for me. Planting a cover crop wastes space in a small garden area, requires time (prepping, digging under, etc.) I'd rather not commit and has limited rewards IMO.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

For what it's worth, I commonly see calabaza intercropped with bananas. Pineapples definitely work. My haitian friend tells me that taro works.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Cucumbers are really coming on w/ this mild weather.. :^)

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

I got some Pink China Taro, its supposed to be the cold hardiest there is, they seem to have the same requirements. I also started a couple of pinapples from their tops, but will have to bring them in in the winter, but thats okay, I think they will look cool. Never heard of Calabaza?

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Buy clumping bamboo which tends to not spread but a few feet. Some can be purchased onsite at ECHO in Fort Myers.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Basil, Pawpaw and Comfrey do well in the vicinity of Banana trees.

Also, see Bean Companion Planting for Bananas | Home Guides | SF Gate

"Bananas require large amounts of nitrogen for healthy growth. Beans and legumes have a supply of nitrogen within nodules of their root system, which is released into the soil upon harvest. This process is called nitrogen mineralization. Successful, heavy nitrogen-giving beans and legumes include chick peas (Cicer arietinum), soy beans (Glycine max), bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), fava beans (Vicia faba), lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus), mungbeans (Vigna radiata) and cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)."

and

"Coffee beans (Coffee canephora) are another companion that grows well when interplanted underneath the banana tree. Farmers in areas of East Africa utilize this strategy due to the effectiveness of bananas as a source of food security, and coffee as a cash crop, all coming from the same planting space. The leaves of the banana tree provide vital shade for the bush-like coffee plant, while the bark from the banana tree acts as a mulch and fertilizer for the coffee plant."

These can all be grown in Florida.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Living out in the tropics I believe in guild gardening.

We grow taro, sweet potatoes, various squash, beans, perennial peanuts, edible peanuts (various patches), lemon balm, mints and several other things with our bananas.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

I want a food forest, but my wife will not let me. I will probably change things around and intersperse with landscaping. Already took out a lot of ornamentals. Taking out a tree next month. Will then concentrate on relocations of plants, planting those in pots (that will make wife happier), and planting a new raised bed garden.

I had a beautiful yard and garden in Lakeland and used edible plants and natives. It was beautiful! I hope to have that here, soon. I have dragon fruit, bananas, herbs, veggies, seminole pumpkins, everglades tomatoes, moringas, chaya, cranberry hibiscus, passion vine, wild grapes, more palms, mulberry, a new lime and Meyers lemon trees, and others to replant and plant, plus the veggie garden. Now...where will I find the time??

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Does taro overly compete for nutrients/water?

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

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I have large alocasia and colocasias in 5-12 gal containers and they are heavy feeders and require almost bog like conditions.
Many of my malanga and taro are setting in partial water filled tubs during the growing season in zone 6 and they must be brought indoors for the winter.

For me I would say yes they would compete if they were side by side.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Thank you. Yeah it seemed odd to recommend Taro growing with Bananas. I think it would for sure affect bunch size. In any case, I will grow then separately.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Years ago forum member HMelendez said a Malanga vanilla shake was delicious and he had them quite frequently as a youngster.

So got some of mine and made one of the most delicious smoothies ever.
I tried taro also and it was awesome as well.

They make great accent pond plants for the landscape too.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Do you have to cook or boil the malanga or taro first for the milkshake?

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Yes, just as you would potatoes.

Let them chill and use .
What I had made was similiar to this recipe
You may flavor as you wish......me I like vanilla.

https://avocadopesto.com/vegan-taro-...e-gluten-free/

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

The Banana's and Elephant Ear's get along ok in my garden.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

Wow, those plants are giant.

Re: Good companion plants for bananas
 

I utilize the banana canopy to grow herbs and lettuce when it's too hot for full sun. Cilantro is my favorite herb fresh from the garden!