Hostas may be grown in large containers such as whiskey barrels. The only special care they need when grown in containers is extra protection during the winter. The crown needs to be kept on the dry side so it doesn't rot. It also needs to be protected from freezing totally. The best way of providing the extra protection needed is to have wheels on the whiskey barrel. Then it can easily be moved into a garage or other storage building to provide a little extra protection. Let's look at hosta care and growing.

Basic Care

Hostas are the perfect perennial to brighten up a shady garden. They have leaves that range in color from solid green, blue-green, or gold to leaves streaked with white or cream splotches, or with multiple shades of green. Their white to purple flowers are born on scapes which can reach 2 feet or more in height. Flowering time may begin as early as June and end as late as October in the North.

Planting

Prepare the garden bed or raised bed with plenty of organic matter mixed in the soil. When planting hostas grown in nursery containers, plant them at the same level in the ground as they were in the container. If planting bareroot plants, dig a hole big enough to allow the roots to spread out naturally. Build a mound in the center and place the crown of the plant here, spreading the roots out down the sides of the mound. Some hostas form clumps while others spread in a way that makes them good edgers for the shade garden. A few hostas, such as Sum and Substance even perform well in full sun. Wherever they grow, be sure to keep them watered through drought times. The use of mulch--up to 3 or 4 inches-- helps to avoid weeds in the bed, protects the roots from high air temperatures, and conserves moisture.

Nutrition

Feed your plants liquid manure tea, or organic manure, and grass clippings (weed free only). Fertilizers are labeled with the percentage of N-K-P. Hostas need a high level of N (nitrogen) for good stem and leaf development. K (potassium) helps the plants develop strong leaves which are more resistant to disease while P (phosphorous) helps build a good root system. Fertilize when you plant them and again in the spring. During the summer, using a foliar fertilizer helps meet the nutritional needs of the plants.

Pest and Diseases

The main problem with growing hostas is slug control. Some gardeners use commercial slug baits. Others surround their plants with rings of crushed egg shells, chicken grit, or even volcanic rock in order to discourage slugs. Another organic remedy is planting "cans" of beer at ground level so the slugs fall in and drown. Still others over spray their beds with ammonia.

Other pests may include snails, thrips, weevils, rabbits and even deer! Contact your county extension agent for recommendations on dealing with these problems. They are up to date on which commercial remedies are legal in your state. Several diseases may affect hostas. These include various viruses, crown rot, and leaf spot which is a fungal disease. As with the above mentioned pests, check with the county agent for recommendations in your area of the country. Laws are being passed too quickly to make any suggestions for chemicals on a website.