I think I would, but only sparingly. Maybe wait for the soil to start to pull from edges of the pot, then water thoroughly. That would probably be every couple weeks if no rain. What do you think?

I have those little little striptease reversions that I don't want to lose. Those are the ones I am concerned about. One is promising and unique. Generally speaking, my pots do well without extra watering.

|Thanks so much for your input.

bkay

Barbara, I would have chimed in earlier but I haven't been at my desktop for a few days, largely been using my phone and to check this forum I use my browser, not the HOUZZ app and I was getting confused over where the comment box was, I saw 2 of them, one above and one below the inserted 'Related Professionals' I see, which is something completely new to me. Anyway, as I think you know I grow most of my hostas in pots and my biggest concern over the winter is over-watering, simply because of the all the precip we get over the mild winter here in the PNW. So, come early November I tend to put all my smaller pots -2 gallon and down- into a sheltered area where they don't get exposed to the almost constant rain. In that environment there's always a few pots that show various degrees of drying up of the potting mix and if I'm in doubt about whether or not to water the pot a good old poke with the index finger will tell me if there's a need. I won't hesitate to water, but only if the finger tells me it's a tad too dry.

So, use a soil moisture meter or your index finger as a guide when you see the potting medium pull away from the side of the pot. I'm dealing with some 'Striptease' sports I don't want to loose, you can bet I check on them regularly!

Pieter

I put a small ice cube on them about once a month. I did that last year and they all survived.

debra

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your input. It seems the best way to handle this is to keep your finger ready to poke.

bkay

Keep in mind that they are DORMANT, which means they are not growing. Agree with the finger poke. Too much love and care with a hosta will probably kill it, especially the ones you worry the most about. Been there, done that, too many times.

-Babka

I live in Florida and I have to water. Between the possible warmth I also have a wind that can dry my pots fast. I use almost a cactus mix so I am very fast draining. I also use my finger to check as I want to have a moist root ball not soup. Use caution.