My cutoff date for digging hostas? November 1. Or maybe November 15 if we have a warm fall. Z5b, north Missouri.

Thank you!

Littlebug, do you only work large hostas or work smaller stuff?

Newhostalady, are you in pocketed 6? When people plant tomatoes in your zone?

While I moved only 30 miles north those are hard miles. The difference like summer nights in July and summer nights in September.

This spring was cold and I have no gauge whether it is norm for this area.

Another thing is soil, I also had clay but it was very good soil where I could work with my hands and here clay is so hard, draingage proved to be really challenging, which I discounted during the move.

Lindalana, I am in Milwaukee, same zone, not too far from you i think. This spring was an unusually cold spring. Normally I would have hostas leafing out by mid-late April. This year I barely had pips at that time. I agree about the clay soil, so it’s good you have been amending the soil. I think as you work the soil over time, you’ll get used to it. Altough, if it hasn’t rained in a week or more, I am often surprised at how hard the soil will be to dig, even using my root slayer.

debra

p.s. I agree with NHL, I one month before expected/normal frost.

Typically I only work with good-sized hosta - like dividing a mature hosta into 3 or 4 parts. Or simply moving a mature hosta from one spot to another.

Planting time where I am is generally May 21st or a few days earlier.

The spring was unusually long and cold here too! And then it switched to hot!

You can google and ask what the average frost dates are for your area or a nearby city.

One of the most important things your plants need along with soil and water, is air! Clay has less air spaces. It also holds water better. Maybe a lot of watering doesn't allow for much air space? That is just a thought.

the major issue is ground freeze .. and/or winter heave ....

will you experience either???

you have to hav3e them planted early enough.. that the ground settles.. and keeps them plants in the ground.. all winter long ... and thru late spring ...

i can go on ..... if its an issue for you .. but why bother if its not pertinent ...

and while you are at it.. how big are these seedlings... first year tiny babes??? ... how about a pic

ken

I have moved or lifted 80% of hostas. Will have to do another 10% before fall. I did have good number of plants sunk in last winter so upended and planted them raised.

Lots of my neglected seedlings from last year. Some new plants and replacements.

Some strugglers that were potted to beef up still in pots.

All of it gives me concern.