Hostas

[BrassicaNapusNapobrassica]

Are they not lush? Are they not spelendid. Are they not the epitome of health and vigour? And then they have to go and spoil it by growing that tall, shoot of a pathetic, spindly flower. It's so phallic and ugly.

I thought you might like to know that I chop off my Hostas' penises as they emerge. They seem to respond well (extra vigourous I think) but might I be doing harm?

Lush indeed but the bloody snails think they are a delicacy in our garden.

'Death to all snails!'

I planted one in a pot last week,it has been eaten already!

I have actually got a pot with a glass over a once magnificant stump. It's slowly growo
ing back but those slimy munchers will have as soon as the glass is removed.

Is your name Lorraine Bobbit?

Have you tried liquid slug killer? No risk to birds but death to slugs. I'm also going to try copper tape around the pots.

Personally I like hosta flowers - they smell gorgeous - but if you insist on emasculation, I suspect it's actually good for the plant as it won't be putting any energy into producing flowers.

..actually that does appear a little fruity when I re-read it.
Still hate snails though...

Would the snail/slug killer kill our pesky Jack Ruseel that eats everything and normally survives? (electric cables, dh's running shoes, no direct threat I know but dh was ready to kill him after the 4th pair...)

Taipo - LOL at Bobbit. I feel mean. But the flowers are so at odds with those lovely, substantial leaves.

I keep mine in pots as find it impossible to keep them in the ground and keep slugs at bay without resorting to pellets which I don't like to use. I use broken egg shells at the base of the plants and more eggsgells in a pot saucer at the base of the pots.

Muppet girl - the liquid slug killer can't be used on edible plants because it contains metaldehyde, which is poisonous. So if your dog chews plants, I wouldn't risk it. Someone on Gardener's World last week advocated a sort of soup made from boiling up garlic, which she poured over her (immaculate) hostas. You can buy garlic-based repellents in garden centres if you don't fancy the diy approach.

I was going to say that! The woman in question had one of the "national collections" of hostas in pots. I THINK she said 2 bulbs of garlic, squished then boiled in 2 pints of water for 3-4 mins, strained, then topped back up to 2 pints. She then uses 1 hefty tablespoon of this liquid per watering can of water to water the hostas, done during the evening so the idea is the garlicky water sticks to the hosta leaves and acts as a deterrent.

I get awful snail probs but so far this year, so good- I haven't moved the hostas onto the patio yet, so whether it's the current position that's keeping them snail free or whether the copper tape is actually working for much, who knows?

Hostas boo! Why put slug food in your garden and then put slug poison all around it?

(Bitter and defeated.)

oooooo - might try that garlic recipe on my next lettuce attempt!

Ahem...

try this

I've been using it for a couple of years - it's BRILLIANT.

oh excellent
will look out for it - thanks

Yes, those are the ones I'm using now. They're more expensive but seem to work well.