We’re currently in the exciting season where we see plants leave their dormant state and become more active, with flowers and leaves making an apperance. Many gardeners will be doing whatever they can to keep their plants healthy while finding extra ways to make them thrive such as stocking up on fertilisers. However, most gardeners might just have all that they need to see new blooms in their gardens this spring, without spending a penny.
According to thespruce.com, garden division is a great tool for encouraging growth and building up your garden. Mike Hrivnak, director of Agronomy at Canopy Lawn Care, said, “Dividing plants is a simple, powerful technique that keeps gardens vibrant and healthy.” While it might sound simple, there are a few things to consider when it comes to plant dividing.
“Dividing is the process of splitting a mature plant into multiple smaller sections, each with its own roots and foliage to be replanted,” the expert explains. Certain plants, such as perennials, tend to grow in clumps; therefore, dividing helps to “rejuvenate plants that may have become overcrowded or less vigorous over time.”
There are many benefits that come with dividing a plant. The technique encourages healthier growth as division prevents overcrowded plants from competing for nutrients and water, giving them the necessary space to thrive.
It also leads to more “robust” blooms down the line, as the expert shared that perennials tend to produce fewer flowers as they become “too dense”. However, “dividing rejuvenates their blooming potential.”
Dividing can also save gardeners money as you won’t need to spend it on buying more plants to fill up your garden as the process results in plenty of new plants which can be used across other areas in your garden.
Once you’ve divided your plant, make sure it is replanted immediately to prevent the roots from drying out. Water them thoroughly, and of course, keep an eye on them, as some often wilt initially after replanting.
Not all plants can be divided, and only some require the technique. The expert shared which plants benefit from division by preventing overcrowding and keeping them healthy.
Plants that require dividing:
- Asters
- Bearded Irises
- Coreopsis
- Daylilies
- Hostas
- Ornamental Grasses
- Peonies (only if they are overcrowded)
- Phlox
- Sedum
- Yarrow
