Hostas are one of the most frequently chosen garden plants. This is not surprising, because they are resistant and look beautiful. However, if we want them to charm in the next season, we must take a moment to prepare them for the upcoming frosts.
In autumn, hostas begin to gradually wither and dry out, but underground their roots are still preparing for winter. Therefore, you need to take proper care of them so that they are in good condition next year. This is especially important because neglect in this matter may cause the plants to be attacked by fungal diseases, and they will also regenerate less easily.
One of the first treatments is to trim the hosta leaves. It is worth removing them in the fall, because the dried leaves can be an ideal shelter for pathogens that overwinter in the garden.
Trimming leaves is not complicated. Wait until they are completely wilted and use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove them, cutting off the leaves at the ground so as not to damage the crown. Then we remove the remains from the flower bed. In turn, we leave healthy and dry leaves in small amounts to provide natural protection against frost.
Another important and quick procedure that should be carried out in autumn is mulching the plants. They should be done after trimming. Mulch can be made from bark, compost or leaves. It will create a protective layer that will perfectly retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots against temperature fluctuations.
What’s more, Mulching also limits the growth of weeds. For the mulch to be effective, we need to make a layer of about 7 cm. It will protect the plant’s roots and will allow hostas to survive the winter, even when severe frosts occur.
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It is also very important to clean the flowerbed in autumn. After pruning, as we mentioned, all plant remains should be removed to avoid creating a shelter for pests. It is also a good idea to use a natural spray, which can be made from e.g. garlic or nettle. Thanks to this, we will limit the development of pathogens.
Let’s not forget about the hosts. In case the weather is dry, we need to water the plants once a week. By keeping the soil slightly moist at all times, we will provide better insulation for the roots, which will prevent them from freezing.
It is also worth remembering about hostas in pots, which need additional protection. It is best to simply move them to a cool room and wrap the pots with agrotextile.
