Papaya

Amazing how they live in such dry conditions.

Yes it is, actually. I feel confident to say, in all honesty, that these plants are suffering but I also feel confident that I know how to do better by them, as well, now. So hopefully this will be the worst looking you will ever see them! (Second one from the left is actually dying already.) In my defense, I did not plant these. Someone else did and this is the result. Not bad for not knowing what all these plants really need.

Thanks for checking in on our garden!

Stay tuned! :)

I read papaya trees need a rich soil and because of large leaves they evaporate a lot of water in hot climates, so they also need a lot of water. What about pilling some mulch with compost around the roots?

Thanks for this advice, Katarina. We are unable to buy mulch in this country but I learned of one fellow who used his dried up banana plants to line a dirt path so he wouldn't have to walk in mud. Ever since, I've been wondering if our banana plants could be used as a blanket at the base of the trees (with a little fence around them to keep the tortoises at bay) to act as a kind of mulch.

For certain, we need to turn the soil and add peat moss. We also need to add a rich compost. But on top of that, I am seriously thinking of dried banana plant. Another option might even be the palm fronds. Though large, we could reduce their size. Layers of palm fronds would also do the trick, I should think.

Just trying to think of local ways to get the job done! Sure wish we had mulch though.

Thanks for your thoughts, Katarina.

Maybe this link would be useful.
http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-papaya.html