Going bananas, soil 101, + plant & seed swap

• Growing bananas in Wellington-Horowhenua

• Soil quality 101

• Annual plant and seed swap

• Banana plant giveaway draw

Join us for a visit to Tree Crops member Victor Kuipers’ property in Ōtaki plus our annual plant and seed swap. Our visit will have a focus on bananas and the launch of  Tree Crops’ nation-wide banana growing trial, which is investigating whether higher fertiliser application rates can increase banana growth and encourage earlier flowering under New Zealand outdoor conditions.

The main part of the property is a 0.3 hectare paddock that is in its 10th work-in-progress year of being developed into a fruit bowl. A small clump of bananas has been in the ground for about half that time, offering some lessons about what works and what doesn’t.

We’ll be planting some more bananas on the day as part of the nation-wide banana trial, so you’ll get to see the process close-up, maybe even help us plant some. We’ll also have an opportunity to see how bananas self-propagate and we’ll separate out a banana pup from its parent to give away.

We will also look at soil health, nutrient retention, and have a bit of a 101 on soil with our local expert, Hannah Dawson — why it matters and what you can do to improve your soil health and, in turn, your bounty. Bring a container of your soil for us to have a look at.

And we’ll have our annual plant and seed swap. Bring any surplus seeds and seedlings you have and see what you might be able to take home with you in return. Dig out those potted up trees that have become lost in the undergrowth, save some of your perennials that you need to split, and plant some extra seeds in trays for sharing with others. If you're bringing seeds, please package and label the seeds.

Join us and go into a draw to take home a free banana plant! 🌴

Bring your lunch. Some picnic tables are available, but bring a seat if you can. Tea/coffee and hot water (urn) provided - but bring your own mug.

Programme (flexible)

10:30 - 11 am: registration, tea/coffee, welcome

11:00 am - bananas + soil 101

12:30 pm - lunch

1:00 pm: plant and seed swap, explore the orchard…

Registration:

Please register to attend this event. Registration is free to NZTCA members. Non-members are welcome to attend for $10 per person. Non-members can also join NZTCA when registering for the standard annual membership subscription of $65.

Places are limited.

Full address will be provided upon registration.

Notes:

Children welcome but must be actively supervised due to recent plantings.

Further information will be provided in the confirmation email following registration.