How to Transplant Hostas in Iowa
- 1). Transplant hostas in the late summer, after the hottest time of year. In Iowa, this means transplanting hostas in late August as July is typically the hottest month, according to the National Weather Service Regional Office.
- 2). Dig up the hosta to determine whether you want to keep it intact as one plant or divide it into several small plants. You can do this by digging the entire hosta out of the ground and pulling it apart into several smaller plants, but ensure each small plant has its roots intact.
- 3). Dig a hole large enough to encapsulate the hosta's roots as well as the materials needed to prepare the soil for the hosta.
- 4). Work one-third peat humus, one-third pine bark fines or other mulch and one-third native soil into the hole before placing the hosta in. This will encourage drainage and water retention, as well as aerate the soil.
- 5). Place the hosta in the hole and fill it in with the same mixture used to work the soil.
- 6). Water the hosta. Hostas are native to Asia where they receive a high amount of rainfall, about 50 inches per year. Iowa receives only an average annual rainfall of just under 35 inches, so frequent supplemental watering is needed.
Source...