How to Grow Hostas Under Pine Trees Successfully

An older pink forest with grass growing beneath the trees.

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

How to Use Hosta Fertilizer to Keep Your Hostas Beautiful

Lady using hosta fertilizer to nourish her plants.

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

Fertilizer Basics for Hosta Growers

A variegated hosta with spirea growing through it.

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

Homemade Hosta Fertilizer: The Natural Version

Hostas and other plants growing along a shaded gravel pathway.

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

Learn When to Fertilize Hostas

Hostas and rhododendron along the edge of the lawn.

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

Using Natural Fertilizer for Hostas

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

Why Use Compost for Hostas – Does It Really Help

Compost ready to use in a compost bin with a spading fork.

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

Do Hostas Spread: Some Do and Many Don’t

Small green hostas spreading over rocks.

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

Do Hostas Like Manure

A manure pile in front of a barn.

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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