Josh92

Hi, because I have to rent I'm only really able to have plants in pots. But I have not let that stop me, I've really gotten into tropical/subtropical, exotic gardening/plants and that obviously means Bananas. I live in the relatively mild Poole/Bournemouth urban area on the south coast of the UK, hardiness 9a. This will be my first winter with Bananas and because it doesn't get hot enough here to get the brilliant growth that some of you get in a summer I have to protect them. I'm planning on using some straw and fleece for all but my basjoo and sikkimensis in a spot that will get lots of morning winter sun to warm them up. I'm just asking if there is any advice or other information that anyone else can give me that could help to ensure that they survive.
Thanks

sirdoofus

Sounds like you plan on keeping them outside all winter?

I have no experience in your climate zone but I have spent some time in 8b. One thing I have done with good results during the shoulder seasons with tender plants is to keep them, along with 5 gallon black plastic buckets/lids filled with water, in the sunniest location possible during the day. At night I sandwich the plants against the building with the 5 gallon buckets (which have warmed up very nicely during the day) and place a blanket or some other convenient form of insulation, row covers work fine, over the buckets, plants and or/pots depending on plant height. The water in the buckets of course is slow to release its heat and as it does it keeps the plants warm.

I haven't tried this through the winter in my area because it is so often overcast and rainy that I have just assumed it won't work, and I have been fortunate enough to have a nice garage to use for overwintering.

I must say though, I have experienced very overcast days while the buckets were outside and was surprised at how much solar energy they were able to absorb.

I suppose you could heat the water every day, but that might get pricey. Or take your showers at night and bring the buckets into the shower with you.....

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Who keeps calling me nuts??

all43

I'm along the coast from you and mine all come into the spare bedroom at the top of my house, luggin' up and down a staircase twice a year, as yours are left outside have your plants any pups that could come in just incase?

Josh92

I like the idea of using some water to help keep create a microclimate, could help prevent some of the worst frost.
I do plan on keeping them outside all winter, and at the moment no pups to act as an insurance policy.

cincinnana

Welcome to the Jungle..
There are a few members very close to you who can connect with locally.
Do a member search Bournemouth Mike.

There are countless videos with some great ideas on Youtube on how to overwinter your plants.
Some of the fellas in the forum overwinter some amazing plants indoors a deep forum search will help you out.


Pick and choose what will work for you and fits your budget.

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Josh92

Thanks for all the nice replies. I haven't lost any of my Bananas, I even have some nice growth in my Sikkimensis, Itinerans Burmese blue and India Form. All the others seem to have hard, sturdy pseudostems still, just waiting for some groeth.
I'm more thinking about my supposedly hardy gingers and some different Aroids I have, but once we get consistent double digit daytime temperatures I'm sure I will see some life.

cincinnana

Sounds awesome.... good luck with your plan......

Post some pic when you can..

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Josh92

One months growth rate on some of my Bananas.

all43

Looking fab Josh, mine also are really enjoying our warm weather, although yours do not look wind beaten whilst mine often get shreaded living on the cliff top of Sussex.

Josh92

Thanks, they've definitely enjoyed the warmth recently. Luckily they're in a sheltered position.

Josh92

Another months growth.

cincinnana

Great looking plants!...

Time to put the bananas to sleep for the Winter

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