So you’ve got a lovely shady spot under a pine tree or two, wondering if Hostas will do well. Yes, they will, if you know what you’re doing. It’s a myth that pine needles increase soil acidity, making them unsuitable for growing hostas under pine trees. The real challenge is the tree’s root distribution and … Read more
Across the United States, gardeners have, on average, 200 growing days per year in which to create beauty, function, and fabulous garden features using plants. To optimize those days, gardeners need to provide each plant with its preferred environment, soil conditions, and water supply while meeting its nutritional needs and minimizing the threat of pests … Read more
Planting hostas in containers can bring wonderful variety and flexibility to the garden. It also allows plants to be enjoyed on a patio or other shaded area where they can’t go directly into the ground. The nutritional needs of hostas grown in a contained environment are different from those grown in beds. The effects of … Read more
Hostas make extraordinary ground cover perennials and are by far the most popular plant for shady areas, such as under deciduous trees. Offering seventy species and hundreds of hybrids, gardeners can create striking borders of any color between vibrant greens, chartreuse, and blue. Though not high feeders, applications of nitrogen and potassium will boost the … Read more
All plants need food in the form of plant nutrients, and the hosta family is no different. Concocting your own natural homemade hosta fertilizer is educational and fun. Making your own fertilizer allows you to compose a blend that matches the unique needs of your soil, plants, and environmental conditions. Combining plant nutrient sciences with … Read more
When to fertilize hostas? Generally, this would be a “how long is a piece of string” question, but we’ve made an effort to answer it conclusively and specifically. We need to consider several variables to optimize fertilizer applications to perennials like hostas. Application timing must coincide with growth phases, soil temperatures, plant hardening needs, nutrient … Read more
To grow, develop, and produce at their best, plants need ready access to 20 essential plant nutrients. In managing all the elements that contribute to healthy soil, gardeners often get fertility wrong. Your hosta will be healthier and more productive if you give them what they need, not more, and not less. Natural fertilizers of … Read more
Growing hostas is easy if you satisfy their single, non-negotiable demand – healthy garden soil rich in organic matter is the shortest route to meeting this need. The organic matter and microorganisms in compost help create the soil characteristics required by hosta plants. Compost introduces a diverse and essential population of organisms that boost several … Read more
Hostas are one of the most popular plants for home gardens, but do hostas spread? It’s a common question that many gardeners have. The answer is both yes and no. All hostas are rhizomatous. While most hostas form close growing clumps, some hostas have extended rhizomes and are more spread out. Some examples of rhizomatous … Read more
There is some disagreement over whether or not manure is beneficial for hostas. Some people say that hostas like manure and it gives them a healthy boost, while others claim it can damage their leaves. This article will help you decide whether or not you should add manure to the soil when planting hostas. Manure … Read more
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