Hostas are a gardener’s dream.
They are low-maintenance, thrive in the shade, and bring lush greenery to any garden.
But as winter fades and spring approaches, your hostas need a little care to wake up properly.
March is the perfect time to prepare your hostas for a season of healthy growth.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to care for hostas in March—from cleaning up winter damage to feeding and protecting them from pests.
Let’s dig in!
Check for Winter Damage
Your hostas have been asleep all winter.
Now, it’s time to check in on them and see how they’ve held up.
Start by looking for any signs of winter damage.
If you live in a region with heavy snow or freezing temperatures, your hostas may have suffered some dieback.
Check for mushy, blackened, or dried-out leaves from last season.
If you see any, don’t worry—hostas are tough and will bounce back with the right care.
Simply remove any damaged leaves by cutting them off at the base.
This will help your plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth.
Clear Away Old Mulch and Debris
Leftover mulch, fallen leaves, and other debris can create a damp, moldy environment around your hostas.
That’s the last thing you want in early spring.
Take a rake or your hands and gently clear away the old mulch from around your hostas.
Be careful not to disturb any new growth that may be poking through the soil.
Removing debris will allow better air circulation, preventing mold and fungal infections from taking hold.
Plus, it gives you a clear view of your plants, so you can spot any issues early.
Watch for Emerging Shoots
Hostas are slow to wake up, but by late March, you might start seeing little purple or green shoots breaking through the soil.
This is an exciting sign that your hostas are ready for the growing season!
As these shoots emerge, avoid stepping on them or disturbing the soil too much.
New hosta growth is tender and can be easily damaged.
If you’re still getting frosty nights in your area, consider covering new growth with a light layer of mulch or a frost cloth overnight.
This will help protect the shoots from unexpected cold snaps.
Divide and Transplant If Needed
March is a great time to divide hostas, but only if the soil is workable and not frozen.
If your hosta clumps are getting too large or too crowded, dividing them will help keep them healthy and encourage better growth.
To divide hostas, dig up the entire clump with a shovel, being careful not to damage the roots.
Use a sharp knife or spade to cut the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least a few shoots and a healthy root system.
Replant the divisions in a shady or partially shaded area with well-draining soil.
Water them well to help them settle into their new home.
Dividing hostas every three to five years keeps them from becoming overgrown and ensures they continue to thrive.
Refresh the Soil
After a long winter, the soil around your hostas may be compacted or depleted of nutrients.
Now is the perfect time to refresh it!
Loosen the top layer of soil around your hostas with a hand rake or your fingers.
Be gentle—you don’t want to damage the roots or new shoots.
Adding a fresh layer of compost or organic matter will provide essential nutrients and improve soil texture.
This will give your hostas the boost they need for strong, healthy growth in the months ahead.
Fertilize for Healthy Growth
Hostas are not heavy feeders, but a little nutrition can go a long way.
Early spring is the best time to give them a boost with fertilizer.
Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, and sprinkle it lightly around the base of each plant.
Avoid getting fertilizer directly on the leaves or new shoots, as this can cause burn damage.
If you prefer organic options, compost tea or fish emulsion are great choices for gentle feeding.
Fertilizing in March will set your hostas up for lush, vigorous growth as the season progresses.
Water Wisely
In March, the weather can be unpredictable.
Some days might be warm and sunny, while others bring cold rain or even snow.
Hostas like moisture, but too much water can lead to root rot.
Check the soil before watering—if it’s still damp from rain, hold off on adding more water.
If the soil is dry, give your hostas a good drink, but don’t let water pool around them.
Watering deeply but infrequently will encourage strong root growth and keep your hostas thriving.
Protect Against Pests
As temperatures rise, so do the chances of encountering pests.
Slugs and snails love hostas, and they can start causing trouble in early spring.
To keep these pests away, try spreading crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or coffee grounds around your plants.
These natural barriers make it harder for slugs and snails to reach your hostas.
If you have a persistent problem, you can also use organic slug bait or set out beer traps to lure them away.
Deer and rabbits may also take an interest in your hostas.
Using repellents or physical barriers, like fencing, can help protect your plants from hungry wildlife.
Mulch for Moisture Retention
Once your hostas start growing in earnest, it’s a good idea to add a fresh layer of mulch around them.
Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Choose organic mulch, like shredded leaves, bark, or compost, and spread it in a 2-inch layer around your hostas.
Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.
A well-mulched bed will keep your hostas happy all season long.
Keep an Eye on Growth
March is just the beginning of the growing season for hostas.
As the month goes on, keep an eye on your plants and watch how they develop.
If you notice any issues, such as yellowing leaves, holes from pests, or weak growth, take action early.
A little extra attention now will ensure that your hostas stay healthy and beautiful throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Caring for hostas in March is all about giving them a strong start for the season ahead.
By cleaning up winter damage, refreshing the soil, and protecting them from pests, you’ll set your hostas up for success.
With a little love and attention, these shade-loving plants will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage all spring and summer.
So, grab your gardening gloves and get to work—your hostas are ready to shine!