How to propagate by dividing

Selling extra plants after dividing large over grown clumps can be a way to share with others and even make a little money. You can also trade with other gardeners for plants you don't have. Be sure to label the divisions as you pot them with name and color of blooms.

If you have perennials that are too big for their spot, dividing them is the best option. Splitting the clump is good for the plant if it has stopped blooming because the roots may be so compacted and root bound it needs to be rejuvenated. The best time for dividing is early spring before the plant grows and the leaves are too big. If the perennials flower in spring wait until they are finished to dig up and divide.

 

1. First dig up the whole root ball and remove most of the soil. Cut off any old roots that look black or show signs of holes from insects feeding.

2. Use a sharp knife, spade or garden forks to pry apart into half and then quarters.

3. Trim off about half the length of the roots to promote new growth. Replant the divisions or pot up to give to friends or sell. Cut off the old flower stems and divide all other plants when the heat of summer is over and the plants can be cut back.

4. It’s best to divide rhubarb in fall time (September) this gives it time to root in before winter.

5. All potted perennials need to be protected over winter. If you want to save them to add to a new garden space in spring you need to have a holding spot in soil to sink them underground to overwinter in the pots. Make sure to put the pots deep enough to just cover the rim of the pot with soil then mound soil up around the crown of the plant. In spring you can dig up the pots to replant the perennials in a new garden or even sell them.

 

 

6. Making A New border or island garden? Plan Ahead. The extra plants you have stored in pots may be used in a future garden in the near future. I have become too lazy in my retirement for digging up grass for new flower gardens so to save time I use newspaper, scraps of carpet or dark colored tarp to lay on top of the grass. Layer this in late summer or fall and leave it all through the winter until May when the ground has warmed. Dig it up remove any remaining weeds or grass and add some compost or manure. Wait a couple of weeks and rake again to be sure all is cleared, then plant the perennials you have saved in pots.