going bananas

     Because school officially kicks off tomorrow (the students finally arrive), you'd think I was going bananas over lesson plans, seating charts, and bulletin boards.  But no!  We've actually got bananas in the backyard.  The first time I ever saw banana plants with bananas on them was at the Chiquiri Land Company in Changuinola, Republic de Panama. 

 This is where Chiquita bananas are grown and shipped by truck and boat.  After seeing this process, I am amazed that these bananas survive the trip to our local Kroger. 

The blue bags keep the monkeys from eating the unripe bananas.

     Anyway, I keep an eye on my banana plants, because they have been replanted twice.  They don't seem to be fond of the arctic-style winters we've had for the past two years in Savannah.  I learned that "bananas require as much warmth as can be given them."  http://http://www.bananaplants.net/banananinfo.html
Since we've had about 60 straight days of 99 degree weather, these plants should be very happy
     The first week in August, I noticed something so red in the banana plant.   I had to investigate and found what appeared to be a red ear of corn.  I knew that couldn't be right.  But then I saw three small green shoots at the top of the ear of corn and decided that they must be baby bananas.

 I've been watching it for over three weeks now and it seems that every flower that opens off of the ear of corn yields another banana.  We are up to four that I'm sure are bananas and another four that could be buds of tiny bananas.

     Since I know nothing about growing any crops, I've been doing some research and learned that "stalks of bananas are usually formed in the late summer and then winter over.  In March they begin plumping up and may ripen in April."  What? In April??????  I'll have to watch them for a lot longer that I had anticipated.  


     I just hope this winter is much warmer than last, or I'll have to learn to knit a blanket for the babies.  Stay tuned...