Expert: Tom Alonzo - 10/23/2009

Question
Hi Tom. What type of mulch should I use for the winter?

Answer
Hi Betty,
Thanx for your question.  Most bananas will not survive in zones cooler than Zone 8.  Musa basjoo is said to survive in colder climates as long as the roots are mulched.  When I lived in the Panhandle of Florida, banana roots would overwinter but the plants would be killed down by the first frost which usually occurred some time in December.  We did not mulch the banana plants because the ground does not freeze this far south.  Still, you can use any kind of mulch you desire but my favorite would be some kind of decorative bark or perhaps a cypress mulch.  To save money, use plain old straw.  I hope this helps.
Tom