Quote:
Originally Posted by venturabananas
I could see how Keith's approach might work great in the tropics, but it just doesn't translate to areas where the bananas are standing in cold, damp soil. Under those conditions, the plants really aren't growing at all and they are prone to fungal rot. I have definitely seen rotted roots and corms in my yard under those conditions, like Mitchel mentioned. That's one of the risks of growing a tropical plant in non-tropical conditions.
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The corm and the feeder roots are two completely different parts and need to be treated differently.
I'd like to know if you think this set up would work in your climate.
It is simple and works great, I don't use it because it is ugly and my other methods work better. In drought conditions this method can be used successfully with very little water.
5 Gallon Bucket filled with fresh grass clippings and compacted with a potted plant.
As it compacts more clippings are added and it can be watered through the grass.
You should be able to clearly see the roots.
oct 23
oct 23
32 Gallon version
aug 25
oct 24
In a very short period of time these containers become completely filled with feeder roots.
If these containers were stacked 20'-30' tall, they would still become completely filled with roots.
After harvest, I will slice the contents of the containers and post photos of the roots.
By digging an open pit in the center of a group of plants and continually keeping it full of yard waste will achieved the same results and retain more moisture without the ugly view of a barrel.
It is difficult for me to understand why these techniques will not work in California.
I would be surprised if someone could get the roots to rot while maintaining a healthy corm.
This method allows the corm and feeder roots to be treated differently. The roots can enjoy a high moisture environment teeming with macro and micronutrients, while the corm can be located in a sandy well-drained environment.
In Puerto Rico these techniques will quickly establish a huge root base, which in turn will help the plant grow larger in less time and bloom more quickly.
It seems that banana growers stateside have such a short growing period that this method should hasten the time between planting and harvest.