Hosta Fire and Ice

Hostas are planted in spring or autumn. Hostas thrive in deep, humus-rich, loose soil, which is preferably neutral to acidic and moist to wet throughout the year. Plant them in partial shade or dappled shade, and in a sheltered location away from strong winds.

Prepare a planting hole that is 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix equal parts of compost with the prepared soil, partially backfill the hole, and place your plant in such a way that the top of the root ball is covered with 3 cm (1in) of soil. Adding a fertiliser e.g. bonemeal will nourish your plant during its rooting period. Make sure to position the neck of the plant well above ground level. Firmly tamp the soil and water generously to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, regular watering for a few weeks will help your plant to establish.  Water regularly in case of a dry summer.

With their preference for moist habitats, slugs and snails are never far away from hostas.  Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage, making them less appetising for slugs, these plants need protection from gastropods.  Safeguard your hosta plants by surrounding them with ferramol-based slug pellets (approved in Organic Agriculture), eggshells, coffee grounds, wood chips, or any dry and rough natural substance that repels them.  Hedgehogs are the gardeners' best allies in the fight against gastropods, as unlike chickens, they do not till the soil and do not attack the young green shoots of plants. Or you can use plants have a repulsive odour to slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.