GET BIGGER…

I recently got intrigued by these two banana-growing videos (sometimes I nerd out on farming, soil, etc) and the comments that followed…

Organic vs. Chemical Inputs in Banana Growing

First of all, here’s the video on Organic banana growing methods and practices:

Now contrast that with a look at how Dole, one of the biggest conventional (chemical inputs) banana growers operates:

To Deflower… or not?

Banana Flower

Now here’s the discussion in the Comments section for the Organic banana growing video, about whether to cut the flower, or leave it. And then I offer my thoughts on the issue…

Brendon (video creator): One tip I forgot to mention, but we show in the video, is to also cut the purple flower that grows at the bottom of the stem. This will also help to move more energy into the bananas.

Nelson: I have been told multiple times not to cut the flower? Different reasons why, some say the flower produces energy itself, some say it helps produce sugar and the banana will not be as sweet and other reasons, but this is the first piece of advice i have heard saying remove the flowers to give the fruit energy.

Pedro: people don’t cut those purple flowers because hummingbirds are very fond of them.

Sowamber: Personally, I don’t cut and my bananas are much sweeter than those bought in the market.

Me: Perhaps the REASON you’re cutting the flower is key? In the video from commercial (non-organic) producer, Dole, they always cut the flower. They say it directs the energy into fruit growth. I think if people are growing bananas for large markets, their primary concern is size/amount. I would think flavor comes second.

Also… hummingbirds. That is a very good reason to leave the flowers as long as you can.

I also find it very interesting to witness the different approaches of Dole vs. Organic to the disease infestation ;) Notice too on the Dole plants there are no bugs anywhere! So although they say they are spraying “small” amounts, the ecosystem is showing otherwise.

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If you’re interested in reducing and/or phasing out pesticides/herbicides/insecticides then definitely check out the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast with John Kempf. It is fantastic. Scroll through the episodes and you’ll be sure to find something intriguing.

I have been doing my own experiments here at the Singing Horse Ranch – just low key, low labor, low cost solutions. So rest assured that as and when I have anything definitive to report, I will be sharing my video footage and info.