daryl

Musa basjoos just don't look pretty come spring. I would suggest only removing as little as possible if any. You may/will... end up damaging that particular puesodstem. Chances are you'll still end up with several other pups though. Patiences is the key word here. The only thing I would do is to perhaps uncover them on nice days(its still March btw..)just to help dry out the "mush". As it dries out you can very very slowly & carefully remove the old crusty stuff over the course of days...I realize the couriosity, but unless the "crust", is impeding the new growth, be careful here. If you are insulating with leaves and/or pine needles, this uncovering will also help warm up the ground, as soon, if left in place, it will be keeping the ground cold...A cool trick that was already mentioned is to cover the area with clear plastic to help heat up the mat. This works! You just "arc" a piece of metal fencing over the mat and cover/stake with plastic - a hoop. At least in Ohio 6a, its still too early though. Around here Mid April with a string of sunny days in the 60's with no freezing nights should work with musa bajoo's. You can always cover with blankets...Patience