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Hosta Planting Guide
Available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles it's no wonder that Hostas are so popular. Since
they grow well in shaded locations, they're also a very versatile plant if you're looking for more interest
in a garden location that doesn't get much sun. However, we should mention that they do prefer some morning sun,
so deep, all-day shade may not be the best choice.With that in mind, if you follow these simple planting tips you're sure to be enjoying your hostas for years to come:
Soil Preparation
A rich, organic soil is preferred when planting your hostas. This is easily achieved through the addition of a treatment of compost, manure or other organic compound. The pH of the soil should be somewhere around 6.5 or 7.5, which is a moderate amount of both acid and alkaline. When digging your hole, a large, wide hole is best since hosta roots tend to spread horizontally. One and a half times the expected spread of the plant and about a foot deep should suffice in most cases.
Planting
After removing the plant from its container, make sure to loosen and untangle the root system. Some hostas may have become pot-bound, but simply tapping the sides of the pots should release it. Place the hosta into the ground at the same level it grew in the pot, where the leaves meet the root system. Fill in around with your organically amended soil and water well to establish.
Fertilizers
Several options are available, including liquid, granular and extended release types of fertilizer so its ultimately up to the gardener to decide which they're most comfortable using. A balanced granular fertilizer (10-10-10 or 5-10-5 for example) can be applied several times a season while a liquid can be used every 7 to 10 days. In each case the fertilizer itself should be consulted for optimal application.
Watering
Like any plant, watering is critical for a steady, continual growth and encouraging the overall health of the plant. We encourage our customers to water their plants 2-3 times a week even during rainy conditions and this holds for hostas as well. Signs that your hosta may not be getting enough water include burned leaf tips and drooping foliage.
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The Value of Curb Appeal
Landscaping adds real value to your home by improving "curb appeal" - that important first impression that visitors (and maybe potential buyers) take
away with them.According to the Gallup Organization, landscaping can add 7 to 15 percent to a home's value.
You can also consider new landscaping a home improvement. Money Magazine says that landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200 percent at selling time.
In addition to a financial windfall, properly designed landscaping can also provide practical low cost solutions for a number of site problems. Plants prevent erosion, block the wind, provide shade, reduce noise and increase privacy.
A landscape's value, where real estate prices are concerned, is directly related to size and permanence. A mature tree can have an appraised value of $1,000 - $10,000 according to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
Trees add the most value followed by flowering shrubs. A good strategy is to plant a combination of trees, shrubs, and perennials. As trees and shrubs mature, remove the perennials. Be judicial in your plant placement though and consider how large your trees and shrubs will be in 10 years.
If you'd like help designing your landscape, we offer Plan Before You Plant, landscape design assistance for the homeowner.
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