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Maro2Bear

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My solar system is attached to the grid. This means that if my system is supplying all my electric usage for the day, whatever I'm not using is going back into the grid. If I don't have enough to power my electrical usage for the day, I get power from the grid, in our case, P.G.&E, the company that is going bankrupt due to being the cause of our forest fires earlier this year. My meter runs backwards all summer (I'm making my own electricity), but in the winter, I have so many pig blankets, tortoise heaters and lights that I use a LOT of electricity, more than my system can supply. Even with the solar power, I still end up paying about $2000 at the end of the year.

So, $2000 for what period of time? Nice you can use solar during the Summer. I have two small panels tied to a bunker of 12v batteries connected to a solar charge controller to a DC to AC converter that we use to power small appliances, even our internet when power is down.

So jealous of those cactus!
 

Oxalis

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I'm starting to get the plant/seed catalogs. I'm holding strong, though. I'm trying to not spend $$ until I have enough saved up to pay off my solar loan. So no garden for me this year. We had a very mild winter and all my cacti that is in the ground out front made it through the winter just fine. Can't say the same for my banana trees though. I notice the rose bushes are all starting to leaf out. And I have a few narcissus that look like they may bloom soon.
You got a solar panel?!?! :eek::eek::eek: I'm wicked jealous!!!!
 

Yvonne G

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So, $2000 for what period of time? Nice you can use solar during the Summer. I have two small panels tied to a bunker of 12v batteries connected to a solar charge controller to a DC to AC converter that we use to power small appliances, even our internet when power is down.

So jealous of those cactus!
I get a "tru-up" bill annually. It shows if I owe $$, or if I made enough electricity to cover my usage. I usually owe about $2,000. My system is for my whole house and all of my electricity.
 

Len B

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I'm starting to get the plant/seed catalogs. I'm holding strong, though. I'm trying to not spend $$ until I have enough saved up to pay off my solar loan. So no garden for me this year. We had a very mild winter and all my cacti that is in the ground out front made it through the winter just fine. Can't say the same for my banana trees though. I notice the rose bushes are all starting to leaf out. And I have a few narcissus that look like they may bloom soon.
I believe your banana trees are fine and will come back strong.
 

Yvonne G

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I believe your banana trees are fine and will come back strong.
That's just it. . . they DON'T come back strong. By the end of last summer the hardiest of the four trees was still only about 3' tall. They're your stock, so I know they're capable of growing much bigger, but they don't. They're planted on the south side of the house, in full sun, but protected by the solid fence. They get watered when the soil is drying out. Maybe I need to fertilize.
 
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Len B

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That's just it. . . the DON'T come back strong. By the end of last summer the hardiest of the four trees was still only about 3' tall. They're your stock, so I know they're capable of growing much bigger, but they don't. They're planted on the south side of the house, in full sun, but protected by the solid fence. They get watered when the soil is drying out. Maybe I need to fertilize.
I have never fertilized any of mine, Just give them time and I think you will be happy with them. They will do better in moist soil, after the soil warms up and they start growing you can mulch (I use leaves) them to help keep the soil moist around the root ball.
 

Yvonne G

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I have never fertilized any of mine, Just give them time and I think you will be happy with them. They will do better in moist soil, after the soil warms up and they start growing you can mulch (I use leaves) them to help keep the soil moist around the root ball.
Well, plenty of leaves, I got! I'll try to remember in a month or so to mulch in some leaves around the base of the plants.
 

Maro2Bear

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That's just it. . . they DON'T come back strong. By the end of last summer the hardiest of the four trees was still only about 3' tall. They're your stock, so I know they're capable of growing much bigger, but they don't. They're planted on the south side of the house, in full sun, but protected by the solid fence. They get watered when the soil is drying out. Maybe I need to fertilize.

I’m guessing, possibly way too dry (not enough water). During the Summer, I give our group of bananas 5 gallons per day....thrn agsin, notbin the ground but in an 80 gallon tree pot. Still - i think lots of watering will help.
 

Yvonne G

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I’m guessing, possibly way too dry (not enough water). During the Summer, I give our group of bananas 5 gallons per day....thrn agsin, notbin the ground but in an 80 gallon tree pot. Still - i think lots of watering will help.
You're probably right. Thank you. I'll try to remember to add more water to their care this year and see how they fare.
 

Yvonne G

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View attachment 265771View attachment 265772

The girls and I started working on our garden today. Still a little early to put much in the ground but it’s a fun project for the little ones
I had to chuckle at the girls. Thinking of my own weather here in Central California - you have one girl in a hooded sweat shirt and the other sleeveless!

What are you planning for your garden? I put in some squash seeds yesterday.
 

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