How We Dig Hosta Divisions

A picture tutorial of the methods we use to dig hosta divisions


#1. Whitney Versteeg directs her husband, 6' 6" basketball player Jeff Versteeg, to a huge clump of 'Lady Isobel Barnett'.	#2. Jeff begins digging a clump of 'Lady Isobel Barnett'. You can see the HostasDirect display garden in the background.

#3. He lifts a clump of 'Lady Isobel Barnett'. Note the large clump of roots.	#4. Another view of the large clump of 'Lady Isobel Barnett'

#5. The large clump is placed on a sheet of plastic so it can be broken into individual divisions and root systems.	#6. After removing some soil, it is easy to see where the individual divisions are. Note the massive root system!

#7. Jeff displays an individual division from the clump. Note the large root system.	#8. Not the clearest picture, but you can see the purple dormant bud eyes next to his fingers. These buds will develop into new divisions next year.

#9. Jeff wraps the divisions in newspapers and soaks them. He will then place the plant in a plastic bag, secure it with a rubber band, and add a plastic garden label before placing it in a U.S. Postal Service carton for shipping. (We use many carton sizes.)	#10. Jeff and Whitney display the plant wrapped in wet newspaper, bound with a rubber band and protected with a plastic bag and rubber band. A plant label and packing slip will be included. You will receive your hostas within 2 to 3 days of shipping.