how to plant hosta bulbs host of plants also known as planting lilies herbaceous perennials that die down in the winter months and reemerge in the spring with new growth there are a wide variety to choose from posters are shade loving plants that grow from bulbs or tubers planting them is fairly easy things you will need postal bulbs tubers garden tools purchase host develops from your local nursery or from online sources see resources below read all the packaging instructions before deciding where to put your hostess some varieties do require some sunshine during the day host of plants with a blue hue generally require more shade than some of the other types they can be planted at any time of year but springtime is best when new roots are being formed prepare the planting area soil although the hostess is an easy plant to grow and maintain starting with the proper soil conditions will give your plants an extra boost the soil should be well-drained with a ph of 5.5 26.5 plant the hosted bulbs 12 inches or more apart and at the ground level where the shoots first emerge of course the root end of the bulb should be placed down into the ground gently fill the area surrounding the bulb with soil and then pack lightly at ground level water your hosts of bulbs often approximately an inch of water per week always check with packaging directions as so it's larger leaf varieties require more water fertilize it six week intervals through the spring and summer months with a 10-10-10 fertilizer tips warnings dear life hosts the plants so if you live in an area with wildlife you will need to find a way of protecting them slugs can also be a problem for these plants which means eliminating the slugs are putting the plants in locations where slugs cannot get to them such as containers if your host the plant's leaves turn brown on the edges it is getting too much Sun you should move the plant to a shadier location or protect it from the midday Sun you