Grow Bananas During Any Type of Winter

  • If you live in an area with harsh winters, you might feel restricted by the crops that you can grow since many cannot handle the abnormally cold temperatures. However, there is a way to take care of bananas throughout the winter that ensures their success!

    For edible bananas, you might want to consider something that is a bit more tropical, but small enough to move indoors when the weather turns frigid – such as the dwarf canvendish.

    How to Plant

    Bananas like a lot of sun. They do best with at least 12 hours of sunlight a day. They need well-draining soil. The soil must be light and deep. Some people plant bananas in raised beds to assist with the draining.

    When you choose an outdoor planting site, you’ll need to find one that is protected from wind. Pick a warm location on the south or southeast side of the house. Place the plant upright and plant four to six inches deep. Make sure to cover the roots well. It is recommended that you fertilize the banana plant lightly each time you water.

    Bananas can’t handle below freezing temperatures on their exposed stems. The main stem and root stock are important to maintain so the plant will come back the next season.

    For areas with milder winters:

    Gather thick mulch around the root of the “tree.” You can cut up banana leaves to mix in the mulch, as well as grass-trimmings, wood chips, shredded paper and leaves. Do not use peat moss. For wet winters, put the mulch in plastic bags and put them over the corms.

    As long as the summer growth – the green stem – stays green and unfrozen, it will continue to survive. Bananas take 15 months to two years to grow fruit.

    For areas with moderate winters:

    Tomato frames, or cages, can be used and covered with plastic sheeting. It’s not a good idea to wrap the banana stem. In warm weather, the wrap touching the stem can allow the plant to overheat and die as a result.

    For areas with cold to harsh winters:

    Use burlap or blankets to wrap around the stem. Next cover the wrap with plastic to protect the plant from wetness. Plastic bags work well. A plastic pot, with garbage bags on top, and string wound around it, will keep everything intact. If you have bags of fall leaves, you can place them against the stems. Patio cushions work well as insulation, too.

    For the harshest winters, where the ground is frozen deep, digging up the corm and storing it inside where it is dry is the best solution. Store the plant either laying down or against a wall. It needs to be kept under 60 degrees Fahrenheit and dry. Support the plant with stakes when you replant it outside in the spring. Remember to use wide strips of cloth, and not string.

    Have you been able to grow bananas? What other tips do you have for keeping the plants healthy during the wintertime?

    Article Source: Off The Grid News



    One Comment;

    1. Thomas Cook said:

      If I could get a 10×10 greenhouse with glass instead of plastic, I would easily be able to grow my own bananad

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