I read that ammonia is preferred as the plant can use it for nitrogen. It is a 1:10 solution, 1 part ammonia to 9 parts water. You spray it on the stems and ground and it is a direct contact kill so I guess you water the ground in the evening, wait till dark then kill the little buggers.

thanks for the explanation

mbug,

I would keep the plant in the pot the entire season. Let it die back in the fall and plant in soil next season after it emerges and leafs out.

I have learned the hard way that hosta do best if you allow them to acclimate to the new environment in a pot. I have even gone so far at to plant pots if the plant is nice sized and I have a space to fill.

Thank you!!