Question
I have 4 hosta plants in a small shade garden that have been there for about five years.  They were doing great until this spring, when they began to look weak and pitiful!  In fact, they didn't even come in all the way like usual. They usually spread out big and bushy, and get lots of compliments from folks passing by.  The only thing I did differently was late last summer/early fall I began snipping off the long blossoms that grew because I found them unsightly.  Did I do my hostas wrong?  Other than that, I can't think of what is wrong with them.  It can't be slugs, because I've always used prevention for that.  I welcome any suggestions, because of all plants, hostas are among my favorites.  Thanks a lot.

Answer
Hi Patricia,
Thanx for your question.  Were you in a part of the U.S. that had a late freeze?  I know this wreaked havoc on mine but they are fine now.  Cutting of the blossoms last year didn't cause the problem.  You may have a grub problem.  Grubs eat roots and can decimate garden flowers.  Is your soil amended with organic matter?  Hostas benefit from organic matter incorporated into the soil such as cured manure, grass clippings, leaf mold or composted materials.  You said that the plants look weak and pitiful but had done well in other years. Are your hostas getting enough moisture?  Reduced size and weak leaf system could be the result of root rot too.  Have you had an unusual amount of rain?  Does the soil drain well or does it tend to stay damp all of the time.  Hostas enjoy a semi-shaded enven shady area but they don't like soggy soil.  I hope this helps.
Tom