Hosta Big Daddy

Hostas are planted in spring or autumn. Hostas prefer a deep, rich, humus-bearing, loose soil, preferably neutral to acidic (at least low in limestone), and moist to wet throughout the year. Plant them in partial or dappled shade, and in a sheltered location away from strong winds.

Prepare a planting hole of 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix half compost with crumbled soil, partially backfill the hole, and place your plant with its root ball so that the top of the root ball is covered with 3 cm (1in) of soil. Applying a slow-release fertilizer (dehydrated blood, horn powder) will nourish your plant during its rooting period without risk of burning. Make sure to position the collar well above ground level. Firmly tamp down the soil and water generously to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, you will need to water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate the establishment of your plant. Also, water regularly during dry summers.

With their common preference for moist locations, slugs and snails never stay far from hostas. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage, which is less appetizing to slugs, these plants still need protection from gastropods. Protect your Hostas by surrounding them with ferramol-based granules (approved for Organic Agriculture), eggshells, coffee grounds, wood chips, or any dry and rough natural substance that repels them. Hedgehogs are the gardener's best allies in gastropod control because, unlike chickens, they do not till the soil and do not attack the young plants' tender green shoots. Finally, some plants have a repellent odour for slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.