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London

  • Light RainToday
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  • Partly CloudyTomorrow
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    7-day forecast

Our Gardeners' 7-day forecast warns you of changing weather conditions (including frost, high wind and drought) and suggests actions to take to protect your plants.

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Gardeners' World

How to...

protect banana plants over winter

Banana plant

You will need:

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

Overview

Banana plants need plenty of wrapping in winter to keep them warm. 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.

How to do it

  1. Removing lower leaves of banana plantsUse 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.

  2. Packing around the banana plant with strawWrap 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.

  3. Tie the screening or chicken wire securely in place with string or rope.

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

Adam's Tip

Adam's Tip

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

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