Forged Cutlery Bread Knife to Divide Hostas???

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges and considerations of dividing a large Hosta plant, particularly regarding the tools to use and the potential risks to kitchen knives. Participants share their personal experiences and opinions on the best approach to take in this situation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about using a bread knife for dividing a Hosta, fearing it may be damaged.
  • Another participant suggests using an ax or saw instead of a knife, emphasizing the importance of having the right tools.
  • Several participants mention that Hostas are hardy plants that can withstand some rough treatment during division.
  • One participant shares their experience of successfully dividing Hostas after leaving them out for two days, indicating that they are resilient.
  • Another participant notes that using a shovel can be an effective method for dividing large clumps of Hostas.
  • One participant mentions having used a cheap knife from a previous set for dividing Hostas, finding it more manageable than a bread knife.
  • Several participants agree on the importance of not mixing high-quality kitchen tools with gardening tasks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the appropriateness of using kitchen knives for gardening tasks, with some participants strongly advising against it while others share their personal experiences of using various tools without issue. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best tool for the job.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences and tools used for dividing Hostas, reflecting varied approaches based on personal circumstances and available resources.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and gardening enthusiasts looking for insights on managing garden tasks and tool usage.

ChefPaulaB
ChefPaulaB
Messages
1,386
Okay, don't freak out on me, but do you think that it would totally ruin my bread knife if I used it to divide a Hosta plant? I know this isn't the right time of year, but I have to, and I have nothing to divide it with, obviously I didn't think this through enough before I dug the monster up, but here I am with a huge Hosta dug up, roots exposed and nothing to cut into it to divide it, and there is no breaking it by hand, it's huge. I don't have time to go to the store, I have to leave in 3 hours to go to an open house and I have to get 2 kids and myself ready (so much for polishing my nails!)... and I have to replant it after I get it divided... okay, it's not likely that it's going to get done in 3 hours... so any advice on the keeping it damp until tomorrow and what do you think about the bread knife. It says to use a large serrated knife... but I obviously don't want to ruin my $70 bread knife! HELP!!!
 
I would use an ax before I use a knife. Or a saw & if you don't have one, borrow. Put it back in the hole you took it out of, gently recover it with dirt and dig it back out when you have time. The digging up part is half the battle. good luck.
 
I would not use my forged cutlery! But of course, I love my goodies too much for the risk! lol

Just ask a neighbor for something, or do just as dough mama said....replace in original area, cover with dirt and dampen the soil.....should be fine for tomorrow.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Thanks Ladies, I talked myself down, I wouldn't risk it either... Problem is, I couldn't put it back in the hole, it really is a monster, I had my DS dig it out for me, but then he left, so was on my own. So, I rolled it onto an old blanket and dragged it into the shade and put as much of the dirt on the roots that I could and folded the blanket back up over it then soaked the blanket with the hose and then put an old towel over that and soaked that too... so hopefully that'll keep it until tomorrow. The kicker is, my DH is a farmer and I tried to get something from him to cut it up with and he was apparently too busy to help me GRRRRRR :grumpy:, I'm sure there are plenty of things out in the barn to use if he would've taken 5 minutes to get me something, but I don't go digging around in the barn and he wouldn't even bother to take my call... as you can probably guess, I'm not very happy with him right now! :cry: Gonna be a fun evening at the open house! He probably won't even go, which is just as well... oops, venting! :blushing: Sorry! Thanks for the quick response!
 
Since the clump is that large, you could probably use a shovel to divide it. If you loose a little bit, well, it's a big clump, and hostas can handle a fair bit of abuse :)
 
I was going to suggest a good sharp shovel too. Just carefully use it so you aren't hacking away at it and are doing more of a cut.
 
Hostas are pretty hardy, doing what you did would probably be just fine.

If you have to use something from the kitchen, don't you have a pre PC knife? I agree with the shovel idea.
 
I live in North Carolina and a month ago, I dug up two hostas, had them sitting up on the grass for 2 days before my friend came and got them and she divided them and planted them and they are doing super. They can handle LOADS of abuse and keep right on going so you've treated it wonderfully and you'll be fine. A sharp spade sounds like the best tool other than a garden saw to cut it up.
 
All I have to say is there are tools for the kitchen and tools for the garden...don't mixed them up if they are of high quality!!!
 
I bought a cheap set of "miracle blade" knives during my PRE-PC days and I have a large knife in that set (not a bread knife) that I use to divide my hostas. It give me much more control over where the plants were divided.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
shelly.nurse said:
Hostas are pretty hardy, doing what you did would probably be just fine.

If you have to use something from the kitchen, don't you have a pre PC knife? I agree with the shovel idea.
Click to expand...

I gave all of my old knives away! What was I thinking!!!? I have almost all of the forged cutlery and some of the green knives (not fond of the self honing, but do have the small one) and I just didn't have room for everything, so got rid of the other ones... thanks to all of you for your tips!!! I think that my DH is on board now, so he'll probably help me divide them today, it is just so big and gangly (all the leaves, you can't see what you're doing) and I just don't know where to start! But we'll figure it out today, I guess. And I won't be touching my kitchen stuff!!! I promise! I just had a moment! :eek:
 
and yes, hostas are so hardy. when I was a kid, we had so many that my dad would just mow over some of them. But every year they just kept coming back.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
doughmama said:
and yes, hostas are so hardy. when I was a kid, we had so many that my dad would just mow over some of them. But every year they just kept coming back.
Click to expand...

Good to know! I was hoping that dividing them at the "wrong" time of year wouldn't hurt them...
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Forged Cutlery Bread Knife used for?

The Forged Cutlery Bread Knife is primarily designed for slicing bread, but its serrated edge makes it versatile enough to handle other tasks, such as cutting through tough-skinned fruits and vegetables. However, it is not specifically designed for dividing hostas, which typically requires a different type of tool.

Can the Forged Cutlery Bread Knife effectively divide hostas?

While the Forged Cutlery Bread Knife can cut through softer plant materials, it is not the ideal tool for dividing hostas. A garden spade or a sharp garden knife would be more appropriate for this task, as they are designed to handle the roots and tougher parts of the plant.

Is the Forged Cutlery Bread Knife durable enough for garden use?

The Forged Cutlery Bread Knife is made from high-quality materials and is designed for kitchen use. While it may withstand occasional outdoor use, it is not recommended for gardening tasks. Using it in the garden can damage the knife and reduce its lifespan.

What is the best tool for dividing hostas?

The best tools for dividing hostas are typically a sharp spade or a garden knife. These tools allow you to dig around the plant and cut through the roots cleanly, ensuring a successful division without damaging the plant.

Can I use the Forged Cutlery Bread Knife for other gardening tasks?

While the Forged Cutlery Bread Knife is not designed for gardening tasks, it can be used for light cutting of softer materials, such as herbs or small fruits. However, for more robust gardening tasks, it is advisable to use tools specifically designed for those purposes to ensure efficiency and safety.

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