[puravida]

I have a couple of small bay trees in ceramic pots that have come along a treat this year.

I bung one of the leaves in pretty much anything I cook. Yum Yum.

The cold weathre last night made me wonder if I need to do anything special to them over winter? Wrap them in fleece or bubble wrap??

[tobybeacon]

Hi,

I have had a baytree in a terracotta pot.  I have never covered it over in the winter, and it does not seem to have suffered from any of the frosts that we have had.  I have had this baytree for about five years and have never covered it.  It is kept outside, but i in a sheltered area.

[puravida]

oh that's good news.
Mine shoudl be okay then - it's on our deck with fencing all around it so not too exposed.

Thanks!!!

[trapper]

Got one on me plot that thrives on neglect, and inspite of my inconsiderate strimming around the base seems to be ok ,Perhaps some liquid  comfrey feed late spring would wake it up and it should go full throttle.I use mine all the time and some frugal picking just sorts it out , got plenty of new leaves sprouting as i waffle!!. Regards Trapper

[wellingtons]

... I've got one which I've had in a pot (not the same flipping pot obviously!) for about 10 years.

[James]

They can be susceptible to severe frost - which will kill them.  They don't do brilliantly in Scotland.  If you can bring it indoors then you'll guarantee its safety.

Oh the other hand, I'm just about to acquire a huge bay tree - about 60 feet tall which has lived outside in Notts (clay soil) for decades.

[noshed]

You'll need quite a big pot for that one then

[milkman]

It might not want to be confined to a pot if it has enjoyed the freedom of the soil for all those years to grow to a dizzy height...t'wood be like catching a wild bird and putting it in a cage!  

Anyhow, what does this prize specimen bay tree feel about being transferred to James' care - has it had a say in this matter?

[James]

No pot, and no moving!  And it thrives on neglect.