Re: Dividing HOSTA
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Dividing HOSTA
- From: W*@aol.com
- Date: Fri, 7 May 1999 02:03:17 EDT
In a message dated 5/6/99 3:47:00 PM CST, SSaxton@Schwabe.com writes:
<< Speaking of Hosta, anyone have any wonderful tips for dividing? Many of
mine are getting quite mature and I divided one this year and it was a HUGE
chore. It nearly wore me out for the day just getting it out of the ground,
and it was only about 2 feet across. It seemed impossible to get a shovel in
to divide, it kept sliding off the hard top. What are your secrets? >>
A Machete!!
Have hard-packed clay and use a very large, sharp, serrated knife.
I have broken a spade handle trying to dig something up!
Whenever I divide something that big, I soak the area the day B4 or, at
least, several hours B4. I don't actually remove the whole plant but
cut/slice off and dig up parts of the plant.
Also helps if you have a grinder to sharpen your shovel! Once thought about
driving in an ax like a wedge but didn't have one that day.
Some time ago, I helped a Hosta grower divide his hostas. Dumped the pots
out on the workbench and got out the machete. My arms were dead for days!
Dirt he used was very heavy and dry.
Best Wishes --
Barb
USDA Zone 5, Rock Island, IL
"What this country needs is dirtier fingernails & cleaner minds." Will Rogers
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