In my experience it is best to divide hostas in spring, just as their bullet noses are appearing above soil level. Water well, lift and then divide with a spade or an old bread knife depending on size. Spares can be planted elsewhere or potted up and grown on till you decide where they should go or offered to/swapped with friends and neighbours.
Doing it in autumn, when they are going dormant, can lead to them sulking and even dying.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
You can divide them in autumn or spring. If you do it in autumn it is best to do it before cold weather sets in, a mild damp day is best. I have never had a hosta die from being divided in autumn.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
One thing I would say is, if yours still have lots of foliage, and you don't want to wait until it's completely died back, it's worth cutting it back a bit. Easier to see what you're doing, and also easier for the plant to establish again. It may even produce a little more if you're in a very mild area. They're tough though, so it shouldn't be a huge problem.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I usually use an old bread knife .., I’m sure your Hostas will soon double in size. Just give them lovely new potting compost and they’ll be happy as Larry.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
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Doing it in autumn, when they are going dormant, can lead to them sulking and even dying.
They're tough though, so it shouldn't be a huge problem.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Will update later in season how it goes.
Thanks again for your help.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.