Hosta Yellow splash rim

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

Prepare a planting hole of 20cm (8in) x 20cm (8in) x 20cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix half compost with crumbled soil, partially fill the hole and place your plant with its root ball so that the top of the root ball is covered with 3cm (1in) of soil. Adding a slow-release fertilizer (such as bonemeal) will nourish your plant during the rooting period without the risk of burning. Make sure to position the collar well above ground level. Firm the soil and water thoroughly to eliminate any 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 appealing to slugs, these plants need to be protected from gastropods. Protect your Hostas by surrounding them with ferramol-based granules (approved for Organic Agriculture), eggshells, coffee grounds, mulch, or any dry and rough natural substance that repels them. Hedgehogs are a gardener's best allies in controlling gastropods, as they do not till the soil like chickens and do not attack the young green shoots of young plants. Finally, some plants have a repulsive odour for slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.