How to Grow Hostas

Hostas are a perennial, meaning that they come up each year and do not have to be replanted every year. They are the type of plant that many gardeners love to add to their garden. They are easy to care for and grow up with luscious foliage. Although they are easy to care for, it is important to know more about how to grow them to help them reach their full growing potential.

Hostas are mainly shade plants. They enjoy being in the shade, so you do not have to worry about ensuring that they get a great amount of sunlight. Of course it needs to have some sunlight, but it can be in an area that has a great amount of shade throughout the day. You can mark a special area just for your hostas with a weather resistant sign. 

A hosta is a rugged type of plant, so it can easily grow in almost any type of soil. When you first plant them, it is best to add some soil that is rich and organic with a pH that is slightly acidic. You will only need to do this when the plant is first put into the ground. This will help the plant begin to take root and establish itself.

It is important when these plants are first planted to keep their roots moist. You do not want to overwater them and keep their roots wet though, this can cause problems for the plant. Proper drainage in the location they are planted in is important. In the season when these plants go dormant, crown rot can attack the plant if there is excess moisture. Once the plant has established itself in the ground, you will not have to worry about constantly watering it during a drought in summer. They can easily tolerate the dry spell.

Hosta plants do not need a significant amount of care when it comes to disease and pests. Crown rot and leaf rot are typically the only diseases to be concerned with. When it comes to pests, slugs are something to watch out for. They will eat holes in the leaves of your plant. You can keep the slugs away by sprinkling sand around the plants.