I live in cincinnati, zone 6. I have a banana plant in my yard. It's turned into a beautiful, healthy, large plant. How do I winterize the plant? I know it will need to be dug up and brought inside for the winter. When does this need to be done? Before/after a frost or before/after the first freeze? Does the root/bulb base need to stay in soil? If so, should it be watered during the winter? Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

I have had a banana plant for 3 yrs. I live in Virginia where it snows every winter. I have found as long as you cover the stalk with leaves, peat, etc., it will come back every year. The only problem is that it never gets too tall, but this year it grew to 5-6'. They are heartier than most people think!