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Most People Miss This: 10 Critical Jobs You Must Do This Spring If You’ve Got Hostas
Hostas might be the kings and queens of shade gardens, but don’t let their laid-back look fool you—they need more spring prep than most gardeners realize. If you want those lush, leafy giants to thrive all season, here are 10 must-do tasks this spring that most people miss.
1. Wake Them Up—Gently
As soon as the soil warms and shoots start peeking through, clear away mulch and winter debris. Leaving it too long can trap moisture and lead to rot just as the hostas are trying to grow.
2. Divide and Conquer
Spring is prime time to divide large clumps before they leaf out fully. If your hostas are overcrowded or not thriving like they used to, dig them up and split them with a sharp spade. This gives the roots time to settle before the summer heat.
3. Watch for Slugs (They’re Back Early)
Slugs love young hosta shoots. Lay down traps or sprinkle diatomaceous earth or iron phosphate-based slug bait around emerging plants. Don’t wait—they’re most destructive in spring when leaves are tender.
4. Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plant
Hostas are hungry, deep-rooted perennials. In early spring, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure around the base—this builds long-term soil health and boosts growth.
5. Fertilize—but Not Just Anything
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) once you see growth. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes that promote foliage but weaken the plant overall.
6. Mulch Like a Pro
Reapply mulch to conserve moisture and block weeds—but keep it an inch or two away from the crown to prevent rot. Bonus points for using organic mulch that break
