April - Dividing Plants
Just before the main flush of new spring growth gets going is the perfect time to divide herbaceous perennials to maintain their vigour and create new plants for your garden. Identify suitable large clumps and those which are becoming donut shaped with a dead centre. Lift with a fork working around and under the plant until you can lift it whole easily. Shake of some of the soil so you can see the roots. If they are small and fibrous (like asters) they can be eased apart with your hands into new clumps. Those with chunky roots (like day-lilies) will need to be levered apart with two forks back to back inserted into the centre of the clump. Those with woody crowns (like irises) need a spade or sharp knife to split them. Always identify the new shoots and make sure each of the new sections have at least 3 or 4. It's important to replant quickly. You may replace a clump in the original location or in new locations or somewhere where you can "heel them in" to store them in the ground to be sited at a later date. Some could also be potted up or kept in large trays with fresh compost to grow on and establish. Just remember to water in all the divisions thoroughly and keep an eye on them as they re-establish.
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