How to Divide Perennials
Dividing perennials is the process of splitting one clump of plants into two or more smaller clumps. It is done to improve the health of the garden and to inexpensively increase the number of plants you have. Dividing perennials can easily be done with your own gardening tools.
- Determine if your perennials need to be divided. A less densely packed garden means that plants do not have to compete for resources and they get better airflow thereby reducing foliar diseases. It can renew the vitality of the individual plant as well: divide your perennials if they start to produce smaller centers or have a dead spot in the center. Dividing plants is a means by which to limit their growth. If you have one plant that takes up more than its fair share of space, digging it up and dividing it can control how widely it spreads. Finally, dividing is a great way to inexpensively expand or establish a garden. You can use your divisions to establish the plant in other parts of your garden for free!
- Choose the appropriate time to divide your plants. The best time to divide most perennials is in the early spring when plants are just poking out of the ground. There is usually enough moisture at this time, it is quite cool and the root systems have plenty of energy stored from the winter.
- Prepare for transplanting to a new area by digging the hole in advance, and watering it thoroughly.
- Use a fork or a shovel to dig all the way around the plant you wish to divide.
- Pull the plant and root ball from the ground.
- Inspect the roots to determine if you can tease them apart, or if you must cut the root ball into segments with a spade or knife.
- Plant the divided perennial as you would any new plants.
- Water the new plants thoroughly until they are well established in your garden.