Moving a Leafed Out Hosta With the Help of a Belt and Some Tape

Steps to move the Hosta:1. Dig a hole where the Hosta is going to go or prepare a container for the Hosta.2. Take the belt (or rope) and place it around the bottom of the Hosta:

3. Now pull the belt (or rope) up around the stems of the plant:

Pull it tight enough to hold the stems and leaves up-as tight as possible without breaking the stems or leaves.

4. When it is tight enough tie it off. If a couple leaves escape that’s OK:-))5. Get the tape out and run the tape sticky side out around the Hosta either above or below the belt-I prefer above to keep the leaves in a tight bunch.

6. Wrap the tape around 3 or 4 times. When you have taped the Hosta you can release the belt and remove it.

7. Now grab your pitchfork. Shove it in the ground around the base of the Hosta and wiggle it back and forth (up and down) where you inserted it in the soil. This is to loosen the roots from the soil. Do this all the way around the base of the Hosta.

7. Now grab your pitchfork. Shove it in the ground around the base of the Hosta and wiggle it back and forth (up and down) where you inserted it in the soil. This is to loosen the roots from the soil. Do this all the way around the base of the Hosta.

8. Knock off extra dirt by dropping it a couple of times in the hole.9. Now place it in the hole that you have dug making sure you are planting it at the same depth it was at.10. Backfill the hole with dirt and water well:

11. Keep well watered until the Hosta becomes established in it’s new home. Leave the tape on for a few weeks (until it loosens)-it will help keep the Hosta leaves upright while the Hosta recovers from the move.

Here is a picture of Hosta “Honeybells” that I moved about a week ago. You will notice how the tape keeps the leaves from wilting and flopping (even in a sunny position).

This technique can be used with any size Hosta that is fully leafed out-just make sure to keep the Hosta well watered until it becomes established-which may take the rest of the season.