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Cold Hardy - General
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Topic starter
After having my baby Basjoo in a pot for 3 years, its time to think about permanent planting. When I got it, it was a few inches tall (small pup, or TC). Now it is 3 feet tall, and the base is 2 inches thick. Definitely time to get this thing in the ground.
I know, that to relly push the hardiness of these guys, you need decently draining soil, so the roots dont rot during the winter. Has anyone here had to amend the soil when planting their Basjoo, or did you guys just go "gun ho", and plant it? Im assuming you cant plant it deeper then it was in the pot?
THe area Im thinking of, is a south/east facing corner, like an "L" shape. Its right next to the porch (no real foundation), and is the first spot to thaw in the spring. The temps in that corner can go above 30C easy in the late spring. There are large pavers leading to the area, which makes the "bed" a big 4x4 square. The will also hold heat. What Im thinking of doing, is making a small terrace like raised bed, with a border of large rocks, to hold more heat.
The soil that is there was never worked. IT seems to be the native "Sandy-clay" soil. It doesnt turn to cement when wet, but doesnt seem to drain especially well in that are. Im going to have to put just under a foot of top soil to get it level (its sortve low ATM).
Any suggestions?
"The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results" - einstien
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Posted : 06/04/2012 8:15 am
I think you have the right idea-they are not that tough.
I tried to get rid of mine last year but they have resprouted and I did not protect them....
I am glad they are back,I have a nice spot for them now 😀
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Posted : 06/04/2012 9:11 am
Any suggestions?
We have very clay like soil here
I dig the standard hole that is 2x bigger than the root ball. I then mix up a batch of soil that is 1/3 peat, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 mini pine bark chips. Then throw some of the clay and topsoil from the hole in for good measure. Both my Sikkim and Basjoo are doing well.
If you want even more drainage, sometimes I dig a second hole at the bottm of the main hole and fill it with gravel and thus construct a "small drain." I did that for my Cacti and Hardy Citrus. All doing well.
Bananas need warmth and lots of water. Think about all the ones thriving in California, which is basically desert and has the crusty, dry soil and dearth of rain that goes with it. Even they have to amend the soil.
Your banana will do fine and probably turn into a huge clump. 8)
Posted : 06/04/2012 10:37 am
Keep us updated on your basjoo's progress. I can't help you with clay type soils since we don't have that here.
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Posted : 06/04/2012 1:17 pm
Topic starter
Jim - Funny how you find a good place for things when you "dont have them" :D. Ive read they are pretty tough, just need some heat.
Amazing that they made it with no care. I bet thats a big relief for next winters protection.
Jacklord - I wouldnt say the soil is "very clay" (only down 5 or 6 feet, then its lake bottom, true sandy clay soil). I have a hard time describing it. I took a better look, and what i was describing was my soil in general ( the old garden beds have "tilth", but its sandy) rather then the area in question (which is VERY sandy, but tends to hold moisture. )
I like the mix you suggested. I also forgot about the drain method. The only thing is, I know there is a gas line around there somewhere. I have to dig carefully, and use hand tools. Im going to use that for some succulents in the near future for sure.
Tim - Ill definitely keep you posted. It should be planted sometime in may (unless we get a cold spell, then it might be June 👿 ) If it doesnt fall apart like it did last year it should get some good growth.
Thanks everyone.
"The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results" - einstien
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Posted : 06/04/2012 4:03 pm
