RE: Observation........

Paula and Gerry, I grow thousands of hostas in pots all year long.  I too believe we usually get better roots in containers.  I believe this is because the mixture in containers are more porous. I may be a way out on this one but I think hosta roots like to breath. Over and over I have compared root development in containers compared to theses in the garden and most always the container plants win. I have discovered a new potting soil that produces even better roots. They are larger and longer so the plant itself is much better. Just started using it last fall but I can certainly tell a difference this year.
 
The one thing that I am careful to do is to be sure that the containers are not exposed to the sun during winter. The freeze thaw process seems to cause damage which often results in root rot.  Just last week I talked with a lady in Memphis that lost a great plant ( I didn't mean to say this but it was Lakeside Shore Master) to root rot last winter because she thought it would be better if left in a pot until spring. She did not understand how to care for it in a container over winter. I use cover cloth on all of my plants that are in containers but have used pine needles and various other materials.  I have even kept them in shaded areas without any special protection but don't recommend that you try it. We don't get as cold here as some of you but then we have no snow for protection so who know which is better?
Mary
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hosta-open@mallorn.com [mailto:owner-hosta-open@mallorn.com]On Behalf Of Jean Carpenter
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2001 11:15 PM
To: hosta-open@mallorn.com
Subject: Re: Observation........

I moved a year and a half ago and have 99 % of my hosta still in pots.  I overwinter them in the pots and bury the pots up to the rim in sawdust.  I didn't lose any in our zone 5 winter that we had last year.  We usually have only zone 6 but had an extremely cold winter last year.  They are still in pots because we are in the process of building another house and I don't want to have to dig and move them twice.  Hope to have them all in the ground next spring. I feed mine Osmocote and do not water them at all during the winter.  I do water during dry spells in the fall but after it turns cold they get no extra water. 
    Related subject:  Does anyone grow Island Charm?  I have managed so far to kill 7 of them.  Any secrets to success?
Jean
 
In a message dated 10/06/2001 7:20:25 PM Central Daylight Time, J*@aol.com writes:


Am starting to think everything should be in pots???  Possibly not for the winter, but for the growing season and then POSSIBLY pot and all planted in the ground for the winter months

Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index