Mine are all in glazed stoneware pots, with very sharp grit on the top. One of the show exhibitors was interviewed a couple of years ago. A nice lady who had a hosta nursery - she swore by a boiled concotion of a couple of garlic bulbs, then diluted and sprayed on - she didn't have a slug problem. But this does need to be reapplied after rain.
Verdon, I don't have signs of my hostas yet but when they do i spray my garlic concoction and it seems to help but early in the season it may be worth slug pellets and then the spray to keep them off. i have planted in terracotta and plastic and don't have a preference unless we get a sunny summer then plastic as it won't dry out as quickly as clay. my best container to deter slug damage is a copper planter i was given and only use it on my tender specimens when all else fails i have looked for some more but they are pricey. Hope you are enjoying the thaw
I do get serious frosts down and -25C is not unsuual in recent winters. +38C happens for at least a week most summers.
All my pots for show are either thick, frost proof ceramic or terracotta look plastic. Real terracotta isn't frost proof enough and flakes. It also absorbs too much moisture in summer and can leave roots dry. To save on weight and give some winter insulation, I use corks as ballast and crocks in the bottom. They allow drainage but also absorb some water so roots don't dry out too quickly. Works for my hostas, lillies, shrubs, herbs, dahlias, acers and veggies.
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)."
If you want to keep them in terracota, try lining the pot sides with the compost bag. Its at least something to do with them. They soil and then the plants won't dry out quite as quickly
Posts
The Fens; Hostas are still asleep in fairly deep shade.
Mine are all in glazed stoneware pots, with very sharp grit on the top. One of the show exhibitors was interviewed a couple of years ago. A nice lady who had a hosta nursery - she swore by a boiled concotion of a couple of garlic bulbs, then diluted and sprayed on - she didn't have a slug problem. But this does need to be reapplied after rain.
hi all
Verdon, I don't have signs of my hostas yet but when they do i spray my garlic concoction and it seems to help but early in the season it may be worth slug pellets and then the spray to keep them off. i have planted in terracotta and plastic and don't have a preference unless we get a sunny summer then plastic as it won't dry out as quickly as clay. my best container to deter slug damage is a copper planter i was given and only use it on my tender specimens when all else fails i have looked for some more but they are pricey. Hope you are enjoying the thaw
I do get serious frosts down and -25C is not unsuual in recent winters. +38C happens for at least a week most summers.
All my pots for show are either thick, frost proof ceramic or terracotta look plastic. Real terracotta isn't frost proof enough and flakes. It also absorbs too much moisture in summer and can leave roots dry. To save on weight and give some winter insulation, I use corks as ballast and crocks in the bottom. They allow drainage but also absorb some water so roots don't dry out too quickly. Works for my hostas, lillies, shrubs, herbs, dahlias, acers and veggies.
If you want to keep them in terracota, try lining the pot sides with the compost bag. Its at least something to do with them. They soil and then the plants won't dry out quite as quickly