From our perspective, the soil is not just dirt; it is our entire world, our pantry, and our anchor. To help us thrive, you must prepare a welcoming bed. We hostas crave soil that is rich in organic matter, as it provides a slow release of nutrients exactly how we like it. Please work in a generous amount of compost, well-rotted leaf mold, or aged manure into the top 12-18 inches of soil. This does more than feed us; it improves the soil structure, creating a fluffy, well-aerated environment that allows our tender roots to breathe and expand easily. Most critically, the soil must be well-draining. While we enjoy consistent moisture, our roots will suffocate and rot if left sitting in waterlogged, compacted earth.
Our leaves are our pride, and their health depends heavily on location. Contrary to popular belief, our light needs vary. While many of us, especially the blue-leaved varieties, prefer the dappled sunlight found under trees (think of our natural forest floor home), some greener and gold-leaved cousins can tolerate more morning sun. However, intense afternoon sun will scorch and bleach our beautiful leaves, leaving us stressed and faded. Please plant us where we are protected from the harshest rays of the day. Also, consider our mature size when choosing a spot; a cramped location leads to competition for resources and makes us more susceptible to pests and disease.
This is perhaps the most common mistake made by well-intentioned gardeners. You must consider our mature width, not our size at purchase. When you place us too close together, our leaves become entangled. This lack of air circulation creates a humid microenvironment that invites slugs and fosters fungal diseases like crown rot. It also forces our root systems to compete fiercely for water and nutrients, stunting our growth. As a general rule, space smaller varieties at least 18 inches apart, medium varieties 24-30 inches apart, and large or giant varieties 36-48 inches apart. This may look sparse initially, but please be patient. In a few seasons, we will grow into a magnificent, healthy clump that fills the space perfectly without overcrowding.
When it is time to move us from our pot to our new forever home, handle us with care. Gently tease apart any circling roots at the bottom of the root ball. This might feel invasive, but it encourages our roots to grow outward into the new soil instead of continuing to grow in a tight circle, which would eventually girdle and strangle us. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as our root ball but only as deep. Planting us too deep, where the crown (the point where our roots meet our stems) is buried, is a death sentence, as it will cause rot. Place us in the hole so the crown is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill with the prepared soil, patting it gently to remove large air pockets, and then give us a long, deep drink of water to settle the soil around our roots.
