in MI ... the cutoff time.. is too late to grab hold.. so they dont heave in spring ...

if youre taking a big hosta.. with a big gob of soil ... you can go late sept or so .. cuz the big blob wont heave out of the ground in spring ...

if you were dividing down to small divisions.. you better get it done soon .. so the soil can settle ... and the plant can grab hold.. re: see above ... or you shold have done this sort of thing in spring ....

its root growing time ... so try to do it.. without cutting all the extending roots tips ... this is one reason to do it earlier in the year.. so the new roots ... which are growing to store energy for spring push ... dont get cut off ..

otherwise... leave them on the driveway overnight ... who cares ...

i wish i cared enough to redo the how to move a hosta post ...

ken

Ken, I found that thread and would have linked it here, but its such a bummer that the pictures are gone. Do you still have them on your computer? It's great information and instruction!

uh thanks gardencool, I hope to be alive next year.

Just interpret that as the all inclusive human being "us". It is true that no one of us can be certain we'll be alive next year but that's not necessarily the overriding reason to transplant a hosta.

Gardencool, I get your attempt to put a pretty insignificant action into perspective. I guess another way to put it is "this ain't brain surgery." OTOH, I completely appreciate getting OCD about a garden. I am truly rabid about the rabbits eating my plants this year. I feel murderous. I could stomp on one, but only after I decapitated it.

Marie

And I thought I was bloodthirsty.....

I don't think you get me at all, Marie. Moving a hosta isn't insignificant. I move a hosta because I've contemplated it, thought about, planned it, walked around the yard at least a dozen times considering it. I'm considerably invested in moving the hosta before I pick up the shovel. I do it now because I' am invested, have the time, the inclination energy and desire now.

Honestly, I have moved plants throughout the season with success for the reasons gardencool has stated being sure to keep them hydrated. My son and I moved a large Fried Bananas last September, and it came back better then ever. Weather plays a big factor for me. It has to be a nice comfortable day to move a hosta.

I am too darned busy moving daylilies right now. The hostas will have to wait until spring.