Tips For Growing Hostas in Pots

Growing hostas in pots can be a challenging task. It is important to have a plan to make sure you plant them correctly and protect them from pests. You can also make sure to fertilize your plants and divide them every four years.

Divide your plants after 4 years

Hosta plants are some of the most popular perennials in the garden. They are known for their beautiful foliage and are easy to care for. If you have several of them, it is a good idea to divide them every few years to keep them in good shape.

Whether you are moving a hosta to a new area or you just want to improve its look, division is an option. Dividing is easy, but it’s important to be careful with the process. Dividing can lead to damage and loss of some of the plant’s root system.

There are two ways to divide a hosta: by cutting off a piece of it or by transplanting it to a different location. Depending on the type of Hosta you have, you may be able to dig up a whole clump or just remove the roots.

Cutting off a piece is a common method, but you need to be careful. Cut off a small section at a time and make sure to not cut through the center.

The easiest way to divide a hosta is by cutting it into three or four pieces. To do this, you’ll need a sharp garden fork and a knife. You can also use a piece of rope or an old belt.

Fertilize your hostas

When you want to fertilize your hostas, you need to use the right product for the job. Some products have harmful chemicals, while others can provide benefits. The right type will help your plant grow well.

You can also buy a soil testing kit to determine the nutrient levels of your soil. If you do not know what you need to do, you can hire a professional to perform the test for you. Whether you choose chemical or organic, you will need to follow the directions on the label to ensure you get the best results.

For newly transplanted hostas, a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer is a great option. This type of fertilizer releases nutrients over a three-month period. It is not a substitute for a regular feed.

Another option is a liquid fertilizer. These are water-soluble concentrates that are easy to use and affordable. They can be applied to hostas in pots fortnightly.

A slow-release granular fertilizer is the easiest way to feed your hostas. There are many brands to choose from. Depending on the variety of your hosta, you may need to apply more than one.

Hostas can be a valuable addition to any garden, but they need plenty of nutrients. This includes a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Protect them from pests

If you are growing hostas in pots, you need to take extra precautions to protect them from pests. Besides the common snails and slugs, you also need to be prepared for black vine weevils, blister beetles, and other insects.

To control these pests, you may want to use baited traps or a liquid fence. However, you must be careful to follow the directions on the packaging. You can also use a chemical repellent that does not require frequent applications.

Slugs are the largest pest of hostas. They feed at night and will gnaw holes in the leaves. Their damage is most severe on thin-leafed varieties.

Another insect that causes significant damage to hostas is the blister beetle. These insects chew holes in the leaves, causing ragged edges. The larvae of the hosta cutworm also attack the leaves of the plant.

To keep these insects out of your hosta, consider putting up a garden net or using chicken wire. You should also make sure that the base of your hosta does not have any mulch around it.

If you are unsure of the types of pests that are destroying your hosta, you may wish to seek advice from your local county extension office. Several pesticides are available. But some of them are no longer legal to use.