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[SG] Subject Lines, Dividing Hostas, and Slimy Marketing

Lew:
Thanks for the explanation of "Re"; it had not occurred to me that Re
stood for Reply. I assumed it was "Regarding". Now that is cleared up, we
can go on with our goal of sticking to the subject matter.
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Dividing hostas can be a big project but it is fun and rewarding to do. If
you really want to get into it, put a tarp down and get two large buckets
or other containers (large enough to hold an entire hosta plant. Put a
solution of water and clorox (maybe 20:1) in one bucket and plain water in
the other.  Have ready a long, sharp chef's knife or similar implement.
Dig up the plants one at a time, shake off the dirt, place in the bucket
with clorox and let soak for about 10 minutes. Remove from that bucket,
drain, and place in the plain-water bucket. Again, let soak for 5-10
minutes.

Shake off excess water, place on the tarp, and you will be able to see the
hosta's root system. It may have a solid woody stem, in which case it can
just be bisected again and again until you have the size pieces you want.
Make sure you keep at least one eye, preferably more, with each clump. By
eye I mean the little nodes that you'll see at the base of the plant.

With some hostas, they will already be separated plants and you need not
cut at all. The roots will be tangled together, but after soaking you can
gently pull apart individual plants. Voila! Replant as desired.
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I fully agree with you that a nursery that is any good doesn't need to
offer prizes. Michigan Bulb Company is one of many that I would never
order from. I have never tried them, but I don't hear good things about
them.

Bobbi Diehl
Bloomington, IN
zone 5/6
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