| How to Grow Plantains Posted: 19 Oct 2021 05:00 PM PDT Plantains and bananas (which are just different varieties of the same species) may grow into tall, tree-sized plants, but the whole thing is actually an herb without a true trunk or deep root system.[1] This makes their planting and care a bit different from actual fruit trees, but it's nothing a moderately experienced gardener (or even a dedicated novice) can't handle. One point to be aware of: unless you live fairly close to the equator, your plantain plant will probably not make any fruit. In that case, you'll have to settle for a beautiful tropical ornament instead. [Edit]What climate do you need to grow plantains? - Plantains need tropical weather to fruit. In their native habitat, plantains are used to of water per month and temperatures around .[2] For them to fruit reliably, they'll need tropical conditions like this almost year-round.[3] In subtropical climates like Florida or most of Australia, you might get plantains to fruit with careful management and plenty of water.
- In the tropics, you can plant plantains anytime there are at least three months left in the rainy season.[4]
- You can grow plantains as ornamental plants in cooler climates. They're surprisingly hardy for tropical plants, so as long as you don't mind the lack of fruit, you can still plant them outside the tropics. Warm growing seasons and mild winters are still best for fast growth.[5]
- Mild frost will kill the leaves, while anything colder will cause it to die back to the ground (and grow again in spring).[6] Below -7ºC (20ºF), plantains need heavy winter protection: burlap wrapping, thick root mulch, and an enclosure filled with at least 1 m (3 ft.) of dry leaves. Below about -12ºC (10ºF), they won't survive outdoors.[7]
- Outside of the tropics, plant plantains when there are at least three months left of warm weather.
[Edit]How much sun do plantains need? - Full sun is ideal, but shade has its benefits too. Plantains grow fastest and produce the most fruit in full sun. That said, they tolerate up to 50% shade fairly well, and need less water in shady conditions.[8] Plantains are also very susceptible to wind damage, so a tall tree or fence nearby can be worth it for the wind protection even if it blocks some sun.[9]
[Edit]How do you plant a plantain tree? - Plant nursery-bought plantains in a hole with topsoil at the base. Dig a hole across and at least deep. ( is even better if you can manage it.[10]) Put the root ball of the plantain into this hole, then fill the area around the roots with high-quality topsoil. Fill the rest of the hole with the lower-quality soil originally from the bottom of the hole.[11]
- Plant nurseries also sell tiny, container-grown suckers from a plant nursery. These are more fragile in the first couple months, but can work out great if they survive.[12] You don't need a large hole for these—just transplant them so they're at the same soil depth they were in the container.
- Or prep your own "sucker" from another plant. Plantains are propagated from pieces of the mother plant, not grown from seed. So if you know someone with a plantain tree, you can use it to get your own young plantain:
- Choose a sucker (a growth at the base of the mother plant) at least 30 cm (12 in) tall, and ideally 50 cm (20 in) tall and 15 cm (6 in) across.[13] The ones with long, blade-like leaves are best for fruit.[14] The ones with broader leaves are stronger, but won't bear fruit.[15]
- Disinfect your tools, then dig up the sucker's bulb-like base (the "corm").[16] Try to cut it away from the mother plant with a single stroke of a machete or sharp shovel, and cut as close to the mother plant as you can.[17]
- Peel off the outer layer of the corm with a sharp, disinfected knife, starting where the outer layer of leaves attach and peeling all the way down to remove the roots.[18] Anything that isn't pure white is infected, so cut that away as well.[19]
- Plant in a hole or deeper, as described above.
[Edit]How much water do plantains need? - Aim for about 25 to 40 mm of water (1 to 1.5 inches) spread throughout each week. It's best to water plantains generously and regularly (every two or three days) if you want them to fruit.[20] Make sure you're watering consistently whenever there's dry weather during the growing season.[21]
- Drip irrigation is a good labor- and water-saving option, and works much better than sprinklers for plantains.[22]
- Although it's hard to overwater plantains, pools of stagnant water can kill them. Use well-draining soil to prevent this. In flood-prone areas like Florida, it's smart to plant them in raised beds.[23]
[Edit]What is the best way to fertilize plantains? - Mulch, manure, or wood ash are excellent for plantains. Cover the soil around the plantain plant with one of these organic fertilizers in a circle about across. In addition to fertilizing, this layer traps moisture, stops weeds from growing, and encourages helpful soil microbes.[24]
- Mixing it into the soil is not necessary and can even damage the root network. Save yourself the effort and just leave it on top.[25]
- Potassium is the most important nutrient, then nitrogen. If you use an inorganic fertilizer product instead of mulch, choose one extra high in potassium. Plantains often need twice as much potassium as nitrogen to produce a good amount of fruit.[26] (This is a bit less important if you are growing them ornamentally, but potassium still helps with growth.)
- For example, a fertilizer labeled "3-1-6" is a good choice.[27] This "N-P-K" number refers to the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in that order.
- You could instead buy potassium supplements to add along with your mulch or to a balanced fertilizer.
- Fertilize one month after planting, then throughout the growing season. Plantains tend to need multiple doses a year, but the exact amount depends on the quality of your soil and how quickly it drains.[28] When in doubt, try four times a year, spaced evenly throughout the growing season.[29]
- Plantains don't have a natural dormant period like most non-tropical plants. They'll grow any time they have plenty of water and warm weather.
[Edit]How do you protect plantains from wind? - Choose dwarf varieties for better wind resistance. If you live in a windy area, try a dwarf variety like "Dwarf Puerto Rican" or "Goroho." These grow shorter and thicker, so they're less likely to tip over.[30] Even the "dwarf" varieties can easily grow to 2 meters (6.5 ft) and sometimes even higher, so you don't need to settle for a miniature plant.[31]
- Provide a wind break for young plantains. Plantains don't have deep roots and can easily tip over in the first few months after planting. If you can, plant them in a spot where buildings, trees, or fences block the prevailing winds in your area. A temporary screen or fence can also work well. The best windbreak has gaps or holes to let some of the wind through, instead of redirecting it with full force around the fence.[32]
- If you don't have good wind protection, try planting a few plantains in a clump fairly close to each other,.[33] The minimum distance is about 2 m. (6.5 ft) apart.[34]
- Plant plantains at least 2 m. (6.5 ft.) away from the side of buildings, preferably a bit farther.[35]
- Prop up adult plantains when needed. Adult plantains are most vulnerable to wind while they have fruit, as well as in dry weather. At these times, if you expect high winds, it helps to put a tall stake in the ground (bamboo works well) and tie it to the top of the plantain. Alternatively, tie two crossed stakes together to make a fork, and rest the heavy plantain bunch at the intersection.[36]
[Edit]How long does it take a plantain tree to grow and bear fruit? - A plantain can fruit in less than a year, but only in warm weather. Plantains come from the tropics, where they can grow almost year-round and flower and fruit at any time.[37] In these conditions, they can bear fruit in as little as nine to twelve months after planting.[38] In subtropics with frost-free winters, like Florida, it can take up to two years.[39] Just about anywhere else, without at least nine months of uninterrupted warm weather, plantain trees usually don't fruit.[40]
[Edit]How do you protect plantains from disease? - Try to keep new soil additions infection-free. The best way to handle plant diseases is to prevent them in the first place. When adding new topsoil to your garden, look for a "nematode-free" guarantee. Composting and mulching can also help keep your garden soil healthy, as long as those materials didn't come from an infected source.[41] (For instance, you wouldn't want to put discolored or rotted leaves back into your compost heap unless you have a heat treatment system to disinfect it.)
- Be especially careful bringing new plantains and bananas into the garden. Cut away any odd-colored patches on their base before planting, and don't throw away the cut material into your garden.[42]
- Apply nematocide if you see root damage. Some of the most common plantain pests are nematodes, or tiny soil worms. Some types cause brown or black lesions on the roots and base of the plant, while others cause roots to swell and crack.[43] If you see this, buy a "nematicide" from a plant nursery and apply it in a circle across around the plantain. Repeat three times per year to keep the infection under control.[44]
- If your plantain seems loose from the soil and easily tips over, this could be caused by root damage.[45]
- Look out for aphids and other insects. Aphids are widespread, and their infestations can also lead to viral and fungal infections.[46] Deal with them quickly with soap sprays, ladybugs, or pesticides when you see these small insects on the leaves, or their sticky secretions.
- Other insect pests vary depending on your location. Bring a photograph to your local plant nursery or agricultural extension to get advice on treating local pests.
- Plantains are pretty tolerant of a range of soils, so most home gardeners don't need to put in too much effort adjusting it. Like many plants, they prefer well-draining loam and a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5.[47]
- You can grow a lot of low, shade-loving plants underneath the plantain. Yam, cocoa, and coffee plants are all good options.[48]
- Planting more than one plantain? On farms, full-size varieties are planted as much 3.6 m (12 ft.) apart from each other, while dwarf varieties are planted about 2.4 m (8 ft.) apart.[49] But this is partly so that new suckers have space to grow between the plants. If you're just growing them for your home garden, you can fudge these numbers and space them closer together.
- Amazingly enough, one large corm can produce dozens of plants. If you're interested in growing a lot of plantains, look into techniques for cutting the corm into pieces, or carefully damaging its center to trigger more suckers to grow.[50]
[Edit]Warnings - Grasses and other weeds can compete with plantains, which don't have a deep root system like true trees. Mulch is the best weed control option, since weeding by hand or using herbicides risks damaging the plantain roots.[51]
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Economy Feel Like First Class Posted: 19 Oct 2021 09:00 AM PDT Want to make that schlep to South Dakota feel more like a dream in Dubai? Even if you can't afford a first-class airline ticket, you can still enjoy the trip! We've curated tons of hacks on everything from booking a ticket and packing your bag to catching some Zs in the air. Read on to learn how to make your next flight as lovely and luxurious as possible in a low-cost way. [Edit]Choose an airline with great amenities. - Trust us on this—not all flights are created equally! Many airlines are downsizing seat space to pack as many passengers in as possible, and you'll definitely notice the difference. Before you book your flight, take a look at the airline's amenities as well as their seat specifications.[1]
- Compare the number of seats per row, food and beverage offerings, in-flight entertainment options, etc. to figure out how to get the most bang for your buck. Even on a nicer airline, an economy seat is still a budget-friendly option.
[Edit]Invest in a lounge pass. - This will give you a comfortable place to relax before the flight or during a layover. Even if you don't have a first-class ticket, you can still feel like a first-class guest in the lounge. Have a drink, charge your devices, eat a snack, check your email, pick up a few essentials, or take care of anything else you need to before boarding.[2]
- You can get a lounge pass for a pretty reasonable price and it will really upgrade your airport experience.
[Edit]Get the best possible seat. - Reserve a seat ahead of time if you can. If your airline allows you to pick your seat assignment, select one in an exit row, the bulkhead (behind a physical barrier like a wall or curtain), on the aisle, or in another area that offers more legroom than usual. If you're looking for a restful ride, choose a seat away from areas where there will be the most noise and commotion, such as near the restrooms or galley.[3]
- Book your flight in advance to get the best seat available.
- You might be able to upgrade your seat using frequent flyer miles.
- If you don't want to pay for an upgrade, you might be able to talk yourself into one, especially if you check-in early, spot an open seat, and are super nice to flight attendants.
[Edit]Wear comfy clothes. - Pinching waistbands and tight shoes have no place on a plane. In order to be as relaxed as possible, wear loose, breathable clothing. Dress in a few light layers so you're prepared for whatever temperature the cabin is.[4] Slip into comfy shoes that won't be a pain to remove when you go through security, or even bring some slipper socks to change into during the flight.
- Just because you want to be comfy doesn't mean you can't look great! Worn-in jeans and your favorite tee, chic athletic wear, or a flowy maxi dress are all good options.
- Want to make an entrance? Try this travel hack. Dress stylishly so you can roam the airport and board the plane looking like a million bucks. Then, change into lounge clothes after takeoff.
[Edit]Bring your own travel pillow and blanket. - If a nap is on your agenda, these are essential. A personal travel pillow and blanket help you maximize your comfort mid-flight and haven't been touched by millions of other passengers like the free, flimsy options an airline attendant might offer you.[5] Toss a sleep mask into your carry-on, too, so you can shut out the world and get some serious Zs.
- Snag a washable travel shawl/blanket combo before your trip to use as a stylish accessory.
[Edit]Invest in a nice pair of headphones. - The noise-canceling feature is essential for flights. If there's a crying baby or a group of camp kids on your flight, you'll definitely want to tune them out. Plus, crisp sound for your favorite sitcom or the latest album you've been wanting to listen to is a must for a first-class experience.[6]
- High-quality earplugs are a super affordable alternative here!
[Edit]Queue up the entertainment. - Don't forget to charge your devices before you pack them! Also, take some time to download new books, podcasts, games, music, TV shows, or movies right to your device so you don't have to worry about Wi-Fi.[7] That way, you can relax with your favorites regardless of the in-flight options that day.
- More of a creative type? Stick a sudoku booklet or sketch book in your bag.
[Edit]Indulge in some in-flight treats. - Airplane food isn't always the best, so bring your own snacks. Stock up on your favorites at the airport and try to grab some nutritious foods, like protein-rich nuts, along with your Toblerones. Don't forget to snag a big bottle of water! It's crucial to stay hydrated during the flight.[8]
- Stick some individually wrapped packets of instant coffee or tea bags into your bag for a mid-flight pick me up.
- Looking for something a little stronger? Pack a little cocktail kit, order alcohol from the flight attendant, and mix yourself a beverage!
[Edit]Pack a little pampering kit. - Swing by the drugstore before your trip or head to the duty-free shop in the airport. Toss a few essentials in a pouch and slip it into your carry-on.[9] Hand sanitizer, hand lotion, towelettes or face wipes, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, eye drops, and gel eye patches are the great things to have on hand.[10]
- Pamper yourself with a little aromatherapy, too. Bring an essential oil roller or towelette with a scent that soothes or invigorates you, depending on your preference.
[Edit]Freshen up mid-flight. - This little pick-me-up can help you feel your best. If you start to get bored or restless, take the opportunity to stretch your legs. Walk the aisle a time or two (provided it's safe to do so), then pop into the lavatory and use your pampering kit to freshen up a bit.[11]
- If you wear makeup, bring your (non-liquid) essentials in your carry-on and do a touch-up before the descent.
[Edit]Arrange your arrival accommodations in advance. - Have everything ready to go when you land to take some stress out of traveling. If you can afford it, arrange for a driver to pick you up at the airport so you don't have to worry about hailing a taxi or snagging a rental car. You could even hire a porter to deal with your luggage so you don't have to wait around at baggage claim yourself! Make sure your hotel room or other accommodations are ready when you arrive so you can get right to relaxing.[12]
[Edit]References |
| How to Clean a Phone Case Posted: 19 Oct 2021 01:00 AM PDT The case you use to protect your phone touches all types of surfaces—bathroom counters, restaurant tables, and even the ground. To avoid transferring germs, dirt, and bacteria from your phone case to your face and hands, clean and disinfect your case on a regular basis. It's easy to clean most phone cases using just soap and water. Depending on the material of your case, you may also be able to disinfect it with rubbing alcohol or an alcohol-based sanitizer. When you're finished, your phone case will look and feel brand new! [Edit]Cleaning with Soap and Water - Take your phone out of the case. Never attempt to clean your phone case with your phone inside of it, as liquids may damage your phone. Set your phone aside somewhere it won't get wet.
- If your phone case has both a plastic and silicon component, separate the two parts. Pull the flexible silicon piece out of the hard plastic piece that's on the outside of the case.
- Mix of warm water and a drop of soap in a bowl. As long as you're cleaning plastic, silicone, or rubber, dish soap is your best option. Just don't use more than 1 drop of dish soap, as too much soap will make your mixture overly sudsy. If you don't have dish soap, try laundry detergent, a liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's), or hand soap. Stir the soap and water with a spoon thoroughly.
- If you're cleaning a leather phone case, use a drop of natural baby soap or gentle hand soap instead. If you don't have a gentle soap, mix water and vinegar—one part vinegar, two parts water.[1]
- If your phone case is made from real wood, avoid using soap at all. Just use plain water or wood cleaner. If using wood cleaner, dab or spray it onto a microfiber cloth.
- Avoid using window cleaners, solvents, cleaners containing ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, or abrasives on all case materials.[2]
- Dip a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled toothbrush into the solution. Only use a toothbrush when cleaning a plastic, silicone, or rubber case—avoid using one on wood or leather. If using a toothbrush, you'll want to roll it around in the solution to ensure the bristles get sufficiently wet.
- No matter the material of your phone case, you can also use a rag or sponge instead of a toothbrush. If cleaning leather or wood, wring the rag out as much as possible before applying it to the phone case.
- Scrub the surface of the phone case with the toothbrush or cloth. Scrub in a back and forth or circular motion, and go over all the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies on the case. Make sure you're cleaning the outside and the inside of the case.
- Avoid scrubbing vigorously, especially on leather cases—if there is paint or dye in the material, a tough scrubbing can remove the color.[3]
- Rinse the case off and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Make sure all the soapy water or cleaning solution is rinsed off the case before you dry it. Use a soft, microfiber cloth to dry the case so the case doesn't get scratched up.
- If you have an eyeglass-cleaning cloth or one meant for electronics screens, that will work wonderfully on all surfaces.
- Let the case air dry. Don't put the case back onto your phone until it's completely dry. This can take an hour or more, but usually not less. Even if your case feels dry, there could still be water on it that could damage your phone. After an hour, you can put your phone back in its clean case.
- Clean the phone case with soap and water whenever it looks dirty or you notice stains on it.
[Edit]Disinfecting - Soak part of a soft cloth in rubbing alcohol. Use rubbing alcohol or an alcohol-based sanitizer that's at least 70 percent alcohol.[4] The best type of cloth to use is one made from microfiber, which is a lint-free material. Any screen-cleaning or eyeglass cloth will work. If you have alcohol pads, such as the ones used on skin before doctors give injections, those are fine as well.
- If the rubbing alcohol you're using is in a spray bottle, spray it onto the cloth rather than the case.
- Alcohol can discolor leather over time, but as long as you use a small amount (don't saturate the cloth!) you usually won't notice a change.
- Wipe the phone case down with the alcohol-soaked cloth. Wipe down all parts of the case, inside and out. Wipe gently to avoid damaging the surface.
- Wipe off the rubbing alcohol with a dry, soft cloth. Rubbing alcohol dries quickly, so as long as you didn't saturate your cloth, you shouldn't have to wipe much off. The phone case should feel mostly dry to the touch when you're finished giving it a final wiped-down. .
- Wait an hour before you put your phone back in the case. Set the case somewhere it can air dry for an hour. After an hour has passed, put your phone back in its case.
- You can disinfect silicone, rubber, plastic, and wood as often as you'd like. Since alcohol can discolor leather, you can't sanitize it with alcohol as much as other materials.
- Try to disinfect your case at least once a week, or more often if your phone is often exposed in places where it can become contaminated.
- If you're using a leather case, consider switching to a case that can easily be cleaned and disinfected, such as silicone, rubber, or plastic.
[Edit]Removing Tougher Stains from Silicone and Rubber - Sprinkle baking soda over the stain on your silicone or rubber phone case. Silicone and rubber can be a bit more challenging to remove dirt and grime from than other materials, so there are a few more steps you to take care of anything that reminds. You don't need a lot of baking soda, just enough to cover the whole surface of the stain you're trying to remove. Any kind of baking soda will work.
- If a stain is actually discoloration, you will not be able to remove it from the case.
- Scrub the baking soda into the stain using a wet toothbrush. Rub the toothbrush back and forth over the stain, until no evidence of the stain remains.
- You may not be able to remove all stains using baking soda. If you've been scrubbing for a while and the stain hasn't faded, you may need to use a harsher stain remover to lift the stain.
- Bleach can stain your phone case, so you'll usually want to avoid using it. However, for more difficult stains on clear or white materials, you can add a few drops of bleach to water if baking soda doesn't work.
- Rinse off the baking soda and dry the phone case with a soft cloth. After you've rinsed and wiped down the case, let it air dry for at least an hour. After an hour, you can put your phone back in its case.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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