Divide Some Perennials This Fall

Think gardening is just for the spring and summer? Think again! Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you can’t spend time honing your green thumb. The season is the ideal time to care for your flower beds, especially perennials.

A common fall chore in a perennial garden is that of dividing. There are three main reasons for dividing perennials: to control the size of the plants, to help rejuvenate them and to increase their number. While there is no set rule when to divide them, generally, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in the spring. Dividing the plant when it is not flowering enables the plant to focus its energy on growing new roots and leaves.

You have two options when dividing perennials. You can dig up the whole clump and then separate it into several smaller clumps, or you can use a digging tool to slice and remove sections of the plant, leaving part of it intact. Generally, it’s better to dig out the whole clump and carefully split it into sections. Either way, however, it’s important to have the proper digging tool. Look for a spade with a long, narrow blade to provide precise, controlled digging. The Fiskars(R) Transplanting Spade features an oversized oval grip with room for two hands and an enlarged step area on the blades that provides added security for digging, prying or lifting heavy root balls.

After removing, prune dead and damaged tissue, and make sure each section has a portion of roots and leaves. Replant the divisions in preprepared holes at the same depth they were in the original bed. Water the new divisions plentifully, and keep them well-watered throughout their first year.

For more information on Fiskars Garden Tools or to find a retailer near you, call (800) 500-4849 or visit www.fiskars.com.