(questions at bottom if you don't want to read my ramblings)

I have always wanted a tropical garden and this forum has inspired me.

I grow everything in my garden from seed. Now I have some fatsia and fanpalms sitting in my window. Still waiting on trachycarpus and bananas.

I planted them late because my falls are nicer than my springs. I thought I could take them out on the nice days and bring them in on cloudy cooler days. I didn't want them to try and survive on my harsh windowsill for months.

I am hoping to over winter them in my frost free greenhouse with some added light. This feature hasn't been put together yet. Waiting for vaccation to have the time.

I have no idea if this will work but it is the best I can do. I think it's better to try and fail than never try.

My questions:

How long for the trachys to germinate? I read they needed the about the same temp as the fatsia.(20f) The fastia has all germinated and I'm getting impatient.

Is it true they can be kept outside with mulch? The bananas too?

How much mulch? I mean do I need to wrap them up then bury them in a few feet of mulch?

thank you in advance

sandy

P.S. I love all the pictures of your gardens. I only wish there were more!