Rock Creek, OH on Jun 11, 2012

Should I tear these out?

I have had these hostas for 6 years and every year this happens-I have tried eggshells and spraying. This is the area I would like to use for a small frog pond(eventually) and am wondering if I plant something else here will the new plants also look like this? My other plants (fern and hardy cyclamen) ae healthy and untouched. This part of the bed gets filtered morning light-aft. shade, and full evening light. Any suggestions on replacement plants? I would like something around the same height or up to 3 in. higher than the hostas.

103 Comments Displaying 25 of 103 comments | See Previous

Sherrie S Debary, FL

Dee W, I love your answer and it is the right question if you have slugs. Susan, yesterday I went to my local nursery and asked for sun tolerant hostas. Guess what, I bought 3 small hostas. They also have flowers starting to open. My local nursery is far superior to big box stores.

on Jun 29, 2012 · Like 1
Bernice H Yakima, WA

For more info than you would want..google or bing ..hosta...you will get a plethora of sites. I think I went to one called hosta.com, cant be sure, but pages and pages of them. I start drooling when I see them.
what is that all about?

on Jun 30, 2012 · Like 0
Marilyn B Ortonville, MI

We had used dish soap water way back in the 70's but you need to do it prob. a few times a week....

on Jul 01, 2012 · Like 0
Kathy M Clackamas, OR

Slugs love hosta. I use pellets, but a friend of mine watered hers when they first came up with an amonia water solution. she said it killed the slug eggs that were down inside the roots of the hostas. They must taste good cause my chicken went nuts over afew of mine. so I use a pet safe slug pellet in the backyard and regular pellets in the front.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

@Kathy-slug pellet? do you get it at the mill or a nursery and is that what I would ask for? I might give them a try.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 1
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Back to the facts and logic: Hostas I've tried to grow do not like Florida Sunshine. Slugs love Hostas but don't attack the ONE tiny hosta in my yard that is in mostly shade. I now have 3 additional hostas in the same area. Hopefully I am right.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

@Dee - if you go to Lowes or HD and look in their garden area, there are a number of slug products. The pellets come in a box - they're about as big as a wooden match head and a grey color. Just sprinkle in, around and among your hostas - lift up the leaves and get around them really well. It probably says not to sprinkle directly onto the foliage but I do anyhow. I haven't seen any harmful effects - YET!!!

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

@Thanks Susan-it may be too late for it to help this year but I am gonna buy some so it is already on hand.

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 1
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

No! It's never too late!! They ARE still growing so even if you have significant damage, if you start controlling it now, then the new growth will have protection!! Get going on those slugs!!!

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

Yes, Ma'am. thanks

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 1
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Hey Dee - here's something REALLY SPECIAL for you!!! And just for the record, I got the salt shaker and salted this guy BUT GOOD!! Yuuuuuuck :< (
on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

I really don't use salt...but if you had used garlic, then we'd be talking!!!

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

I don't know WHY two copies keep posting - not my fault!!!

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

Don't worry about it-you have alot to say..did this guy sneak up on your deck?

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Well, evidently HT is self-correcting!! Now there's only one!!
No, he wasn't on the deck but in the Sunflower Garden - see the holes in the leaves??
Um, was that sort of a "you talk too much" but in a round about way???

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Carla A Hart, MI

try beer in shallow lid,,,

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Susan S, how quickly you forget - Create a suitable environment for natural slug predators in your garden. LIKE: birds, frogs, ducks OR hens- Small breeds only. Hens can be trained to come when called to strategically placed pieces of wood to eat hiding slugs & snails. Now that's a nice project for you - training a hen. You can share with Dee W.

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Oh Sherrie - I'm pretty sure our HOA would have a conniption fit if I got a "pet hen". I'm thinking there are by-laws or something in effect about having barnyard type animals in a residential zoning area!! The frogs would be way more feasible - but we both know how THAT turned out!! To be honest, most of what I've been trying to work on lately has been put on hold til the temps cool down! 100 here again today but weather reports say we'll only be in the high 80's the rest of the week. ...»
Yeah - two things I "DON'T DO" - one is mornings and the other is heat!!!

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 1
Tyler S Lowell, MI

I have like a millions of those. I torn it apart and spread them all over. I kept the bigger one in the same spot, but I reduced it to make it smaller. Once I spread them, it last about a month until the heat waves came and it last a month. It died. The bigger one in the same spot where, I reduce it into smaller, are still alive and tall flowers are growing on it. I am thankful for those one are still alive.

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

@Susan-lol, no-that's not what I was saying...I could just picture you with barnyard animals...here chick.. chick ..chick ..chick....Sorry about your sunflower, but you will get even with you "magic pellet potion"

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 1
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Susan, a trained hen might not be considered a barnyard animal if it ends the slug problem. The trained hen could be a godsend = definition: a desirable or needed thing or event that comes unexpectedly. Present that at the next board meeting.

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 1
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Uh huh - I'm sure presenting the "Why I need a trained hen" on the board agenda would really FLY!!! Of course I could always tell them I'm an environmentalist and prefer using natural methods of pest control . . . . .so, just exactly HOW does one train a hen anyway??? Will it earn it's keep not only by eradicating harmful insects & slugs but by laying eggs too???
@Dee - OK, just kinda wondered about that - because, yes, I am aware that I can sometimes, ...»
occasionally, once in a while - say alot about nothing!! LOL

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Susan S, How to train a HEN = Hens can be trained to come when called to strategically placed pieces of wood to eat hiding slugs & snails. So Susan, get your wood, train your hen, get free eggs and make money renting your hen in your neighborhood (after training). Rent a Hen is kinda catchy.

on Jul 09, 2012 · Like 1
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

the droppings are very good for your soil as well-just watch where you walk...lol

on Jul 09, 2012 · Like 2
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

OKaaaaaa you two!! You're ganging up on me!! It's hard enough to keep the yard cleaned up from our dog and now you want me to add chicken ____ to the mix!! Clearly you're trying to head me to divorce court! I think I'll just stick w/my Hen & Rooster figurines in my kitchen!!

on Jul 09, 2012 · Like 1

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