MENUA few weeks ago, I reminded you why fall is for planting. Fall planting includes transplanting, and dividing overgrown perennials qualifies as transplanting. Most perennials, especially woody perennials, exhibit the characteristics that makes fall the preferred planting and transplanting time.The same weather conditions that make this such a good time to plant or transplant tree and shrubs also make it a good time to divide perennials and give each new perennial that you create an opportunity to become well established before winter sets in.If you’ve never split perennials before, it’s easy. Dig up the whole plant with as much root as possible. Shake the soil from around the root on to a tarp. Lay the plant on its side on the ground and, with a sharp tool, cut it in half and then quarters. The tool you use is a personal preference but be sure it’s sharp.Replant one quarter in the hole from which the plant was dug. Backfill and water the same way you would a nursery-fresh plant. Plant the other three quarters in nursery pots and give them to friends for their gardens, plant them in different gardens on your property or donate them to a plant exchange.If you have lots of perennials that need splitting but don’t have the time or interest in digging them up and splitting them, give us a call and one of our professional landscape technicians would be happy to do the job for you.
