So far I've managed to keep my Ice Cream banana alive in an unheated shed. I had to peel back alot of the mushy growth, and there was a lot of mold on the pseudostem. Luckily the stem is still firm and green. I was wondering if I could plant it the first week of April, or would that be too early? Thanks

You're in a cooler zone than we are, but I would think you could plant it out. And if a freak freeze comes along, just wrap it in a sheet. I looked for bananas at a nursery a few days ago, but they're still in the greenhouses and not for sale yet. I lost mine due to the drought last year. I just couldn't keep everything watered as much as needed.

I spent today taking my plants out of the hoops. I'm probably less than a 10th done. I had a some surprises and some disappointments too. Looks like all the hostas survived and are coming back. I probably lost some really nice large philodendrons due to over watering. All the hibiscus made it, but they look like they need trimming.

I checked to forecast and towards the end of the week the highs will be in the 50s and lows in the lower 30s. I really want to get it planted as soon as possible because it looks a little ragged right now. I was able to amend the soil with plenty of composted cow manure so that I don't have to worry about it when its time to plant. I almost lost it last year because every leaf kept getting scorched. I had to put an umbrella over it to protect it from the afternoon sun. Hopefully it will be more tolerant of the heat this year. I planted a few things in my garden the past week. That's wonderful about the hostas, I've never been able to keep them alive. I'm sorry to hear about your phils, but at least your hibiscus made it. I have a white fly infestation thats killing off my plumerias and other houseplants. I've sprayed them with a mixture of dish soap, alcohol and water, but somehow a few make it and then I have another bad infestation. I finally just gave up, and I'm anxious to put all my plumerias outside so other predators can eat them.

"I'm anxious to put all my plumerias outside so other predators can eat them. " Do you mean the plumerias, or the white flies????

I meant the white flies I should have worded that better. I'm tired of dealing with white flies. This year has probably been the worst, and my poor plumerias look horrible.

'Just didn't want to have to report you to PETP (People for the Ethical Treatment of Plumerias).

LOL oh no I definitely wouldn't want to get reported. Of course my plumerias look so bad now, I would probably get in trouble with PETP I'm just ready for Spring

I went ahead and planted my banana. I'm really surprised it didn't lose much of the pseudostem, but it still looks a little pathetic. Hopefully we are done with the really cold, weather.

I think it looks pretty good!

Thanks Sandi I'm hoping it towers over my house this year.

Its finally producing its first leaf. :thumbsup:

That's good gardening for the weather you've had up there!

I couldn't believe the cold snap we had yesterday and the day before. Most of the leaves on my ornamental banana shriveled up. Thankfully it will be nice the next several days.