How to Dig Up Hostas: A StepbyStep Gardening Guide
How to Dig Up Hostas?
To dig up hostas, start by choosing the best time, which is either in spring when new growth emerges or in fall as growth slows down.
Before dividing, water the hosta to reduce stress.
Then, using a spade or garden fork, dig up the entire clump, being mindful of the root system that can extend up to 18 inches deep.
If the clump is too large, it can be cut with a sharp spade.
Remove excess soil from the root ball before dividing it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one eye.
Clean and soak the divisions, removing any broken roots or damaged leaves.
Place the divisions in a bucket of water for a few minutes before planting.
Prepare well-prepared soil in a shady area with good drainage and plant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before being dug up.
Finally, water regularly until established for spring-divided plants, and water less frequently for fall-divided plants.
Key Points:
- Choose the best time to dig up hostas: spring or fall
- Water the hosta before dividing to reduce stress
- Use a spade or garden fork to dig up the entire clump
- Cut a large clump with a sharp spade if necessary
- Remove excess soil and divide the root ball into smaller sections
- Clean and soak the divisions before planting
Did You Know?
1. The hosta plant, commonly known as the plantain lily, gets its name from the Austrian physician, botanist, and naturalist, Nicolaus Thomas Host. Host was the first to extensively study and classify hostas in the late 18th century.
2. Hostas are not only loved for their foliage but are also edible! The young shoots and leaves of the hosta plant are sometimes harvested and cooked as a vegetable in Japan and Korea. They are known as “urui” in Japan and “mook” in Korea.
3. Did you know that hostas are often referred to as the “empress of the shady garden”? This is because hostas thrive in shady areas and are renowned for their ability to add a touch of elegance and serenity to any garden.
4. Hostas have a fascinating ability to change their leaf coloration depending on the amount of light they receive. The same hosta plant can have leaves ranging from green to blue, or even gold, depending on the sunlight exposure. This trait makes them a delight for gardeners and collectors alike.
5. Over 8,000 registered hosta cultivars exist in various shapes, sizes, and colors. From tiny miniatures with leaves as small as a few inches to giant hostas with foliage that can reach over three feet wide, there is hosta variety for every garden and gardener’s taste!
Best Times To Divide Hostas
Hostas, with their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shade, are a popular choice for many gardeners.
Dividing hostas is an essential practice to keep them healthy and expand your shade garden.
The best times to divide hostas are:
- In spring when new growth emerges
- In fall when growth slows down.
In spring, hostas can be divided from the time their “eyes” pop up through the soil until the leaves begin to unfurl. This is a period of active growth, and the plants are more resilient to the division process. The ideal time is when the new shoots are just starting to emerge. This ensures that the divided segments have enough time to establish themselves before the summer heat sets in.
In fall, hostas should be divided when night temperatures have cooled, but there is still time for divisions to grow new roots before freezing weather. Dividing in fall allows the plants to focus their energy on root development during the dormant season, promoting their overall health and vigor in the coming spring. However, it’s important to divide them early enough so that the divisions have ample time to establish themselves before the first frost.
- Divide hostas in spring when new growth emerges or in fall when growth slows down
- In spring, divide hostas when new shoots are just starting to emerge
- In fall, divide hostas when night temperatures have cooled but before the first frost
Dividing Hostas In Spring
When dividing hostas in the spring, it’s crucial to choose the right time to ensure the success of the process. As mentioned earlier, it’s best to divide them when the new growth is just emerging. This is usually when their “eyes” pop up through the soil. By dividing them at this time, you can reap the benefits of their active growth and encourage healthier and more robust plants.
To divide hostas in spring, start by thoroughly watering the plant a day or two before you plan to divide it. This helps reduce the stress on the plant and makes digging up the clump easier. Use a spade or garden fork to carefully dig up the entire clump, being mindful of the depth of the root system, which can extend eight to 18 inches deep. If the clump is too large to be dug up in one piece, a sharp spade can be used to cut it into smaller sections.
Before cutting the clump, remove excess soil from the root ball to expose the individual plants. Each section should contain at least one eye, which is where new leaves will emerge. Clean and soak the divisions, removing any broken roots or damaged leaves. Soaking the divisions in a bucket of water for 5 to 10 minutes helps hydrate the roots and prepare them for planting.
Dividing Hostas In Fall
Dividing hostas in the fall has several advantages as the plants prepare for dormancy. Cooler temperatures and reduced growth allow divisions to focus on root development, which is crucial for their survival and future growth. However, timing the process correctly is important to ensure that the divisions have enough time to establish themselves before the arrival of freezing weather.
To divide hostas in the fall, wait until night temperatures have cooled but there is still a window of time before the first frost. It’s essential to keep an eye on local weather conditions as the timing may vary depending on your location. By dividing them earlier in the fall, you provide the divisions with ample time to grow new roots and establish themselves, making them more resilient to the harsh conditions of winter.
The process of dividing hostas in the fall is similar to that of spring. Water the plant well before dividing to reduce stress and make digging up the clump easier. Use a spade or garden fork to carefully remove the clump from the ground, and if necessary, cut it into smaller sections with a sharp spade. Remember to remove excess soil from the root ball and clean and soak the divisions before planting.
Importance Of Watering Before Division
Watering the hosta before dividing it plays a vital role in reducing stress, making the process smoother, and increasing the chances of successful transplantation. Adequate hydration helps the plants cope with the physical shock of division and minimizes the risk of transplant shock. Additionally, moist soil allows for easier digging and extraction of the clump without damaging the delicate root system.
To water the hosta before division, thoroughly soak the soil around the plant a day or two before you plan to divide it. Water deeply, ensuring that the moisture reaches the entire root system. This helps ensure the plant is adequately hydrated and ready for the division process.
Digging Up The Hostas
Before you can divide hostas, you need to dig up the entire clump. This process requires some care and attention to avoid damaging the root system and the individual plants. A spade or garden fork can be used to accomplish this task effectively.
Start by positioning the spade or garden fork a few inches away from the clump. Push it into the ground at an angle, being mindful of the depth of the root system that can extend eight to 18 inches deep. Gradually work around the perimeter of the clump, slowly lifting the entire clump from the ground. For larger clumps that cannot be safely lifted in one piece, a sharp spade can be used to divide them further.
If you need to cut the clump, make sure to remove excess soil from the root ball to expose the individual plants. This allows you to see the eyes, which are the points where new leaves will emerge. Carefully clean the divisions, removing any broken roots or damaged leaves. Soaking the divisions in a bucket of water for 5 to 10 minutes before planting can help rejuvenate them and prepare them for transplantation.
Steps To Divide And Plant Hostas
Once you have successfully dug up the hostas and divided them into smaller sections, it’s time to plant them in their new locations. Proper preparation and care during this step ensure the divisions have the best chances of thriving and establishing themselves in your shade garden.
Start by preparing the new planting holes in the desired location. Choose a shady site with good drainage to ensure the optimal conditions for hostas to thrive. Dig the holes to a depth and width that accommodate the size of the divisions, allowing ample room for their root systems to spread.
Next, prepare the soil in the holes by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure. This helps improve the fertility and moisture retention of the soil, providing a nutritious medium for the newly planted hostas to grow in. Fill the holes with the prepared soil, leaving a slight depression in the center to prevent water runoff.
When planting the divisions, make sure to position them at the same depth as they were growing before being dug up. Gently spread out the roots and backfill the holes with soil, tamping it down lightly to remove any air pockets. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and ensure good root-to-soil contact.
- Spring-divided hostas will require regular watering until they are well-established.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause root rot.
- Fall-divided hostas, on the other hand, require less frequent watering as they enter dormancy.
- Monitor the moisture levels in the soil and adjust your watering routine accordingly.
By following these steps, you can successfully divide hostas and add more plants to your shade garden. Remember to choose the best time for division, prepare the plants by watering them before digging them up, and provide the new divisions with suitable planting holes and care. With a bit of patience and attention, you can enjoy an abundance of beautiful hostas in your garden for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you dig up hostas and move them?
Yes, hostas can be dug up and moved to a new location. When removing mature hostas, it is necessary to dig deep, around 18 inches, to ensure all of the roots are uprooted. Once you have uncovered the clumps, carefully separate them using your hands or a knife, detaching the crowns or growing points from the mother plant. This process allows for successful transplantation and the growth of healthy hostas in their new environment.
Do hostas have deep roots?
Hostas are known for their shallow root system, typically not extending deeper than one shovel depth. However, they make up for their limited depth by spreading out wide. It is more beneficial to create wide holes during hosta planting, as the roots tend to extend as far or even further from the center of the plant as the foliage itself. This unique root structure allows hostas to efficiently gather nutrients from a larger area and adapt well to various soil conditions. So, while hostas may not have deep roots, they are still able to anchor themselves and thrive due to their wide-reaching and adaptable root system.
How do you get rid of hostas?
One effective method for eliminating hostas is by utilizing natural DIY remedies. Firstly, cutting back the foliage of hostas can reduce their ability to produce energy, weakening the plant over time. Additionally, regularly uprooting the plants and removing as much of the roots as possible can prevent regrowth. Consider covering the area with a thick layer of mulch, like wood chips or newspaper, to prevent hostas from re-emerging. This will not only deprive the plants of sunlight but also smother and suppress their growth, gradually eradicating them from the area.
How do you dig up hostas in the summer?
When it comes to digging up hostas in the summer, the process is simpler and more beneficial in several ways. Firstly, summer division allows you to easily identify hostas that have outgrown their designated area in the flowerbed. Unlike spring or fall, the summer heat amplifies the growth of the plants, making it easier to distinguish those that require dividing. Additionally, the warm weather softens the soil, enabling a smoother extraction process that minimizes root damage.