How to protect banana plants over winter

Without protection, the cold weather will decimate them and they'll have to grow from scratch in spring. A little extra effort will ensure thriving bananas that bring tropical cheer to your garden.

Find out how to overwinter an Abyssinian banana plant in our video with Monty Don:

Follow the easy steps below to give your banana plants protection from cold winter temperatures.

You Will Need

• Banana plant
• Sharp knife or secateurs
• Straw
• Roll of rush screening or chicken wire
• Tough string or rope

Step 1

Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut away any frosted or dying lower leaves. This will prevent them from rotting when the plant is wrapped up for winter.

Step 2

Wrap a roll of rush screening or chicken wire loosely around the plant, and pack the gap between the plant and the covering with dry straw.

Step 3

Tie the screening or chicken wire securely in place with string or rope. Top the protective structure you've created with old compost bags or tarpaulin to keep the straw beneath it dry.

Step 4

Remove the covering in April or May, or after the last frosts.

Make sure that you protect the entire plant, leaving no gaps, to avoid exposure to cold air and frosts.