Martin's Pest Control Top Tips

Hello everyone - Martin here! I've been part of the Sienna Hosta team since the very beginning, and over the years I've seen just about everything that can happen to a hosta (and yes, that includes the dreaded slug invasion after a rainy night!). Hostas are tough, beautiful plants, but even they need a bit of protect from pest now and then.

Here are my tried and tested tips to keep your hostas looking lush, healthy, and hole-free all season long.

1. Keep Slug and Snails at Bay

Let's start with the big, and most obvious one - slugs and snails. They're the main culprits behind those tell-tale ragged holes. I've found that a combination of tactics works best:

• Remove hiding spots: Clear away old leaves, mulch, and debris where slugs love to hide.
• Evening patrols: A hands on but very effective method. Go out at dusk or early morning with a torch and pick them off.
• Barrier methods: Try copper tape around pots, I have found that two rings of tape per pot is a lot more effective. Use fabric as a barrier over the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot to avoid slugs crawling up the inside of the pot. 
• Nematodes: For a natural long-term fix, I swear by slug nematodes. Water them into the soil and let nature do the rest.

2. Watch Out for Vine Weevils

If I have learnt one thing from from my years working on the nursery, it's that vine weevil cause more irreparable damage to hostas then slugs and snails do. If you notice your hosta leaves have semi circular cuts in the edges of the leaves or the roots look chewed when you're repotting, vine weevils might be to blame. The beetles chomp the leaves which the larvae love to feast underground.

• Check pots regularly: Knock your hostas out of their pots in spring and autumn to inspect for grubs.
• Nematodes (again!): There's a specific type for vine weevils so make sure you don't use the same ones you use for the slugs. Apply in late summer or early autumn.
• Encourage natural predators: Birds and hedgehogs are your friends! Keep your garden wildlife friendly.

3. Deal with Aphids Quickly

Aphids can gather on new shoots, sucking sap and spreading disease.

• Blast them off: A strong jet of water often does the trick.
• Natural sprays: A mix of mild washing-up liquid and water (a few drops per litre) can help control infestations - just avoid spraying in hot sunshine.
• Attract beneficial insects: Ladybirds and lacewings love to eat aphids, so avoid overusing pesticides that might harm them.

4. Keep Your Hostas Healthy

It may sound like an obvious one but maintaining healthy plants keeps then strong and much less appealing to pests.

• Good air circulation: Avoid crowding hostas too close together. A lack of airflow can lead to fungal issues that could have easily avoidable.
• Water wisely: Water early in the day, and try to keep leaves dry overnight - damp leaves attract slugs.
• Feed regularly: A balanced liquid feed every few weeks helps your plants stay robust and resilient.

5. Regular Maintenance Makes All the Difference

A tidy garden is your best defence. I like to tidy up and any dying foliage, especially in autumn, to stop pests overwintering in the debris. A quick check over your hostas once a week means you'll spot any issues before they become a problem!

That's it from me! These are the some of the same techniques I use here at Sienna Hosta to keep our collection looking show ready all year round. With a little care and attention, your hostas can stay pest-free and full of life. 

If you've got your pest-fighting tricks, I'd love to hear them - pop a comment below or come and chat with us at one of our upcoming shows.

Happy growing, 

Martin

Leave a comment

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in News