Perhaps you have been gardening for awhile, and you have many perennials that have grown since they started. These mature plants can be divided in order to freely fill in those spots in which you have not planted anything yet. You can also provide your friends with plants as well. Keep reading to find out how to divide mature perennials for better gardening.
The first thing you must realize is that you do not need to wait until the plant is huge or overgrown before you decide to divide the plant. It is not a good idea because this could really upset the system of the plant. You want to catch the plant once it matures but also while it’s not too overgrown.
Consider the drip line of the outer edge of the leaves. This is where you’re going to need to do your digging. You want to dig up the plant in order to separate and plant it again in two spots versus one.
Make sure you dig during cool temperatures. This helps the plants as they are transitioning to a new situation. Of course you’re going to be doing this often during the spring, so just wait for a day with milder temperatures.
Be sure that you’re keeping the roots moist as you are doing this. There are several steps, and you have to be careful, so make sure you keep the roots moist during this time. You can wrap them in a soaked wet paper towel, or you can place them in a bowl or vase of water as you prepare everything else. This will help them avoid shock and make the transition much easier.
You’re also going to want to add some new organic fertilizer or compost to the soil and the plant’s surroundings. This will help ensure that plants are properly fed, and you have to remember this is also because the plants are now in two separate places. They need more organic matter.
If the flower you’re wanting to transplant is in its bloom period, you need to wait until that period is done. This helps the plant not go into shock. It is much less risk not to transplant and split plants while they are blooming.
You’re not going to want to take half the plant of course. You want to take no more than 25 percent of the total plant. This helps ensure that your original plant stays healthy, and with all the other steps taken, your new one will as well.
You have to also think about maintaining proper space between plants. You’re dividing them to fill your space, but think about when you dug around the drip line. Your plants must be properly spaced in order to thrive.
It’s time to make your garden more full by dividing plants. This can save you money, and it can teach you a lot about gardening. Use what you’ve learned here, and you will see the results you’re looking for as you fill up your garden.