natedogg1026

Now that I've spent all this time making my new beds, I am wondering if they will support my big nana's. They'll be in 12- 24" of pure compost. Do you think that they will be safe from wind in such a loose airy mix? I'm sure all the smaller plants will be fine but 15' Orinoco's. Do you think the roots will spider out enough or should I mix something into the soil to give it some strength? The last thing I want is to see them blow over in one of our Midwest rain storms. Any help is appreciated!-Nate Dogg

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Bananaman88

Nate,

You might have good reason to be concerned. 100% pure compost is going to be awfully light and airy. You could mix in some top soil which might help somewhat. However, on the other hand, when I worked at the Missouri Botanical Garden we used to plant bananas in great soil mix that had been amended so many times over the years that there was hardly any need to till it and I can't recall any of our bananas ever blowing over. Some of them probably reached 12'-14' tall. It's tough to say. Trial and error may be the only way.

Taylor

Neighbors planted bushes in pure compost and they fell over in 1 rain storm, had to be lifted back up. Mind you, this was 1-2 foot tall bushes, not 10 foot tall banana trees.

Like Brent said, trial and error!

microfarmer

I had a lemon tree blow over in my clayey soil, but all my nanners stood up to the 60 mph winds in a much airier soil. I believe the ammended soil supported many more roots than the clayey soil, providing more anchoring effect.

You could plant the taller varieties closer to a wind break like the house or fence, or you could lop off some leaves just before a storm hits.

Good luck!

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