More Hostas

     Hello, it's me again!  And guess what?  I am hooked on Hostas.  I was visiting several Hosta gardens this summer and now I am totally inspired.  I am going to show you some pictures of the mature forms of the Hostas that I am going to plant this fall.  I cannot believe how easy Hostas are to plant and how fast most of them grow.  Van Wade and many other hybridizers have informed me that the most important ingredient to successful Hosta growing is preparation of the soil.  It is important to use powdered rock phosphate.  I get this near Stoneboro, PA.  Also, green sand which is an all organic, non-burning material from the ocean.  Another indispensable material to add is a controlled release fertilizer, such as Sierra Blen or Osmocote.  You may top dress Hostas, once a year in early spring and this is the only fertilizer that is needed. Cattle mature or horse manure should also be added.  The amount to use is half a shovel full per bushel of soil to the root zone area.  And there you go.  This is suppose to be a good formula.  I will let you know as we just used it on the latest bed of new Hostas.

Yes, you should mulch your Hostas.  This keeps down weeds and holds in summer moisture.  You may choose the mulch that you like best.  We use shredded hardwood bark mulch.

Here are some pictures of my favorite Hostas