GROWING HOSTAS

 

A rich organic soil with plenty of humus is best. Adding Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss/fine pine bark/leaf compost, etc. will also help. We also add heavy sand (#9 grit) to our beds to help aeration and drainage.

PH should be in the 6.0 to 6.5 range for optimum growth. However, hostas are extremely forgiving and will tolerate a PH of 5.5 to 7.5 very well.

To lower PH
    Add soil sulphur or sphagnum peat moss.

To raise PH
     Add dolomitic lime.

Fertilize hostas lightly in the Spring to mid-Summer. Stop fertilizing six weeks before the first frost. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a 1-2-1 ratio, if possible.

Hostas also require a fair amount of water. New plantings need to be kept moist. Watering in mornings is best. Try to avoid watering late evening or during the night, if possible. Water deeply, at least 1-inch during each watering to insure a deep root system.

We also recommend mulching with pine bark (not big nuggets-big nuggets have been found to help hide slugs), pine needles or a shredded hardwood bark mulch. This will help retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

Slugs are a hostas’s worst enemy. Slug Bait should be applied in the early growing season. Slugs will hide under the mulch, boards and sticks, etc. during the day. They emerge at night to eat. It is amazing how much a slug can eat in one night. A tell-tale sign of slugs is a slime trail in the morning. As old bait trap for slugs is beer (use whole beer, not light beer – they are picky about what they drink!) placed in a butter dish. They will climb in and drink themselves to a better place.

Deer can also be a problem, as can rabbits. We have found a product by the name of “This One Works” to be about the best chemical control outside of a dog or a sportsman hunter.

There are other problems such as insects, fungus, etc. but to no greater extent than other plants. Should you have questions concerning planting your hostas, let us know and we will help you.

Remember the old adage –

     “A $25 plant in a 5 cent hole becomes a 5 cent plant.”

Happy Hostaing !!