In general, hostas like to be transplanted in soils with a good amount of organic matter, and if possible, the PH is in a range of 6.5 and 7.5. You can use ground limestone if you need to modify the PH. On the other hand, if the soil where I plant it is poor, you can add agglomeration of organic matter. Never use a quick release fertilizer on a freshly transplanted hosta. This could harm you and will not help you at all. Once the plant is sufficiently rooted, you can begin a fertilization program. Personally, I recommend using a balanced slow release fertilizer on hostas (ex: 12-12-12). Depending on the duration, an annual fertilization (early spring) may be sufficient or you may have to fertilize twice (spring and summer).

if you dont want droopy leaves.. you dont do it in AUGUST.. crikey ... lets see.. what did i just type in another post.. oh.. i will go get it .. ==== they will make it.. if you provide water .. they just aint gunna be pretty for the rest of the year .... some guy did a brilliant post on HOW TO TRANSPLANT A FULLY LEAFED OUT HOSTA ... or some such nonsense... perhaps if you use the GW search up above.. with that title you will find it... in case you do it again .. but also ... to compare your process to his ... his brilliance revolves around using tape.. has he ever mentioned such.. lol ... anyway.. they will be there next spring.. trust me ... ken ==>>> what is it with peeps digging up heavy water users in the high heat of summer ..... jimminey .....???? i know.. i know.. its when it had to be done.. been there.. done that ... ken ps: cricket ....

My neighbor lost a large maple this year, and my main garden went from full shade to full sun. I was told by a local "expert", that I would be forced to move the whole thing. I was pleasantly surprised. Although they did need a little more water, my garden did pretty well. You may want to give them a chance before you go to all that work. Maybe next year, they will make the adjustment. Just a thought.

I'm in 8a. There is no way I would attempt to move anything until the heat breaks. It will not break to 80 degrees in the daytime here until mid October. Instead of moving them this year, consider getting them healthy with lots of water and moving them in the spring when they begin to pip. Be aware that the fine folks who are advising you to move the hosta live in zone 5 or 6 and don't have any experience with hosta in zone 8. Actually, my experience is only with hosta in pots. However, I don't even repot my hosta in the heat. I do it all in the spring. Most folks in the higher zones do the same. With the big leaves on hosta, they transpire lots of water. That's why it's so important to keep them hydrated. If you do a great job of digging them, you'll still lose lots of roots. I don't think you can compensate for that loss when the days are 90 degrees and the nights are in the upper 70's, unless you get lots of rain in the summer in your area. We don't. If you wait for pips in the spring and move them with a good amount of dirt (if possible), they should do well (if you've chosen varieties that do well in warmer areas). The spring rains will help you compensate for root loss. bk