From:
p*@ce.net
To: hosta-open@mallorn.com
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2001 5:21
AM
Subject: Nematode free: Fact or
Hoax?
Are these hosta truly nematode free or is the nematode
population just too low to be detected. I hope the former but suspect the
latter. Just as there is variation in insect population, weather, disease, etc
from year to year, I'd think that nematode numbers vary yearly. Eradication of
nematodes (the bad ones) surely would be utopia but is suppression closer
to reality?
I would think that places where the ground freezes would be
equivalent to leaving pots above ground.
Is the important factor the lowest temperature, length of
time below freezing (or some other temp), how early in the year the temp
drops, or some combination or an entirely different reason? Are there any scientists or plantsmen that know the answers?
-Preston
----- Original Message -----
From:
E*@aol.com
To: hosta-open@mallorn.com
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2001 6:11
PM
Subject: Re: Overwintering pots of
hosta...
Hi All,
The pots
in winter..in zone 4 I have buried in sand and wood chips.
At the time I
did not know about the no water and let mother nature take care of them.
Haven't lost any, but I really didn't have any valuable ones at that time.
I have found that leaving pots of hostas, that have nematodes, above
ground with no mulch....if they survive, end up with no sings of nematodes
the next year. I now have two plants I have done this to. Kim also had some
plants that she left out over the winter...and they who survived are
nematode free.
We might be on to something here. If you don't have a way
to heat the plants..or the chemicals to rid them of this pest.
I like
the chances of letting them freeze. I think the survival rate is about the
same.
Anybody else find this to be true?
Paula
Blaine,Mn
Where Embarrass, Mn hit 12 degrees.....
