Winter Gardening Tips
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Preparing Container Hostas for Winter
If you have the space, sink potted hosta plants into the soil to keep the soil temperature from fluctuating. If the pots cannot be buried, move the plant containers into a sheltered area once you've trimmed the plants. Put them against a wall under an overhang or in an unheated building so the pots can't collect water over winter.
Mulch to Regulate Temperature
In USDA zones 6 through 9 or if your hostas are in containers, mulch hostas with a 3- to 4-inch layer of pine straw to even out soil temperatures. All hostas grow and flower best when subjected to a period of freezing or near-freezing temperatures during their dormant periods. An Auburn University study found that, although the number of days or weeks varies by variety and cultivar, chilling encourages earlier emergence and better growth. Mulching keeps soil from heating and cooling each day and night, interrupting chilling periods. Mulch is not necessary in USDA zones below 6 where winter temperatures stay well below freezing for months.
Taken from: https://www.hunker.com/13427030/how-to-prepare-hostas-for-winter
If you have the space, sink potted hosta plants into the soil to keep the soil temperature from fluctuating. If the pots cannot be buried, move the plant containers into a sheltered area once you've trimmed the plants. Put them against a wall under an overhang or in an unheated building so the pots can't collect water over winter.
Mulch to Regulate Temperature
In USDA zones 6 through 9 or if your hostas are in containers, mulch hostas with a 3- to 4-inch layer of pine straw to even out soil temperatures. All hostas grow and flower best when subjected to a period of freezing or near-freezing temperatures during their dormant periods. An Auburn University study found that, although the number of days or weeks varies by variety and cultivar, chilling encourages earlier emergence and better growth. Mulching keeps soil from heating and cooling each day and night, interrupting chilling periods. Mulch is not necessary in USDA zones below 6 where winter temperatures stay well below freezing for months.
Taken from: https://www.hunker.com/13427030/how-to-prepare-hostas-for-winter
Freeze/Thaw Cycles Cause Heaving
To avoid heaving, you can cover the plant with mulch during the winter. This will stabilize the temperature of the soil around the roots no matter how the temperature of the air fluctuates. A layer of pine needles or straw will also work well and is less likely to provide a home for burrowing rodents or slugs. In the spring, just rake the protective layer away from the crown of the hosta to prevent rot from developing on the leaves as they emerge.
Don't Misplace Your Hostas
Hostas basically disappear into the ground during the winter and don't sprout leaves until later than many other plants. You don't want to accidentally dig up your hostas while you are prepping the soil and planting other spring flowers. Consider placing stakes near your hostas or some other marker to serve as a reminder. A pretty option is planting crocuses or some other early spring bloomer around your hostas. These will bring life to your garden as the season changes and remind you where you hostas are.
In some areas, the winter months will alternate freezing and warmer temperatures, especially between nights and days. This can cause the roots of your hosta to be pushed up out of the ground in a process called heaving. Larger varieties can survive this process, but smaller varieties can die with their roots exposed.
Taken from: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/winter-care-tips-for-your-hosta
To avoid heaving, you can cover the plant with mulch during the winter. This will stabilize the temperature of the soil around the roots no matter how the temperature of the air fluctuates. A layer of pine needles or straw will also work well and is less likely to provide a home for burrowing rodents or slugs. In the spring, just rake the protective layer away from the crown of the hosta to prevent rot from developing on the leaves as they emerge.
Don't Misplace Your Hostas
Hostas basically disappear into the ground during the winter and don't sprout leaves until later than many other plants. You don't want to accidentally dig up your hostas while you are prepping the soil and planting other spring flowers. Consider placing stakes near your hostas or some other marker to serve as a reminder. A pretty option is planting crocuses or some other early spring bloomer around your hostas. These will bring life to your garden as the season changes and remind you where you hostas are.
In some areas, the winter months will alternate freezing and warmer temperatures, especially between nights and days. This can cause the roots of your hosta to be pushed up out of the ground in a process called heaving. Larger varieties can survive this process, but smaller varieties can die with their roots exposed.
Taken from: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/winter-care-tips-for-your-hosta
Frost Tolerance of Hostas by James B. Hoteling-AHS website
Overwintering Pretty Potted Perennials & Shrubs by Proven Winners
Preparing your garden for the Winter-Chicago Botanic Garden
The Basic of Winter Plant Care by the Spruce
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