These freezes are devastating in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It is a very long effective growing season indeed. A curious note about the climate is the combination of high humidities and low rainfall. Dew points for most of the year are between 60-70 o F. making an excellent environment for Musa leaves. However, the average precipitation of 25-26 inches is erratic and very unevenly distributed throughout the year.
Supplemental irrigation is necessary.
As such the soils are deep and alluvial. Texture ranges from heavy clay to silty clay loam. My specific soils are the latter. Drainage is moderately good. However, for optimum banana growth the soils need to be worked and amended.