Banana plants can survive British winters outdoors with the right protection strategy. The key is timing your cuts after the first frost, wrapping the stem with breathable insulation, and keeping the crown completely dry—a technique gardeners across the UK and North America have perfected over decades.
Old-time gardeners knew a secret: cutting the growing tip of tomato plants in late August forces them to pour energy into ripening existing fruit instead of growing taller. With tomato prices climbing 40% in 2026, this forgotten technique is making a comeback—and the science behind it is surprisingly mechanical.
Late summer isn’t too late to start a vegetable garden. With 60-100 days before the first frost, you can grow a full second crop of fast-maturing vegetables like radishes, lettuce, and kale that actually taste better in cool weather. Discover which crops to plant now and how to protect your harvest as temperatures drop.