How do I winterize hosta?
I have seen mixed opinions on when to remove old hosta foliage. We live in north central WI. Is it better to remove dead leaves in the fall to prevent disease or in the spring so there is winter protection?
Related Discussions
GNATS - How to get rid of them?
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th... See more
Marigolds growing! Should I pinch the buds?
My marigold plants are growing. I heard that pinching the buds until Autumn will allow them to grow without killing the plant. Is this true?
Growing garlic
Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
How to keep mice out of your garden?
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ... See more
What's the best flower/plant to grow in Texas?
I know that opinions vary, but what's your opinion?!I have great luck w Rosemary plants. Green all year long.
How do I winter my potted plants, I live in Boise, Idaho?
I have put most of my plants in pots this last spring, and put rock in the flower beds, I like the look but do I need to bring them in, maybe the garage or covered ba... See more
How do I take a cutting from a hosta plant?
How do you take a cutting from a hosta plant to plant it and get a new hosta ??
Wait for the leaves to turn to mush and then just pull off and discard - so easy that way. I used to cut them down and last year I didn't get a chance and they turned to mush and easily discarded.
Hi. If you want to do a fall clean up, then cut them now and put down fresh mulch. If spring's the time you do the garden clean and fresh look then wait. Happy gardening!
Whether you take them off now, or wait until spring is up to you. I have removed mine only once and they come up each year better than ever. I leave mine as another layer of protection, with leaves on top, only removing the flower stalks, and clean them up in the spring when I remove the leaf layer. As long as your Hostas are healthy, you shouldn't have a problem with disease transmission. I have a neighbor that cuts hers down and doesn't cover them with anything and they come back every year.
I have Hostas in zone 6, and do the same thing Kathy does. Here is a video that might help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acPfHkYxQp4
Same practice in SW PA. No need to remove leaves, unless you've had a problem with slugs (that's their preferred hiding place). If so, trim back the leaves to keep them off the ground. Place diatomaceous earth around perimeter, next year.