For those of you who aren't familiar with the phrase "divide your perennials" let me say it is just what it sounds like. When perennials get to packed into one place or grow past their prime they need to be divided into smaller, individual plants. For those of you who already knew that but have never actually done it, let me put you at ease. It is a pretty simple process that doesn't take a great deal of time or special tools. It is beneficial, even necessary, to your plants and as a bonus it will stretch your dollar by giving you plants to swap or replant in your own garden. As a general rule, I didn't divide my perennials every year. Probably this was laziness on my part, but I felt like every other season was adequate.
If you look at Ingrid's daisy foliage, you can see how large the clump is and how compact it has become. When I asked her about the last time she divided them, she told me it had never been divided and this is possibly its third season of growth. Now is a great time for her to make the division and replant so the roots will have plenty of time to grow before producing flowers. Different plants use different techniques in their division. Rather than posting an enormous entry, I'll refer you to an article I liked from Fine Gardening, a magazine/website I trust. There is also a fantastic video to watch that gives you more specific information. (Don't be alarmed by the crazy outfit the woman is sporting. She knows her stuff, so listen up.) I have divided my own perennials at various times in the year, the most common time for me being spring. I know some gardeners who swear by fall dividing, but I think the reason I divide in the spring is this: I simply have more energy and gusto for getting out in the sun and working than I do in the fall. If you read the accompanying article and watch the video, and still have questions, let me know what they are and I will address them.
If you look at Ingrid's daisy foliage, you can see how large the clump is and how compact it has become. When I asked her about the last time she divided them, she told me it had never been divided and this is possibly its third season of growth. Now is a great time for her to make the division and replant so the roots will have plenty of time to grow before producing flowers. Different plants use different techniques in their division. Rather than posting an enormous entry, I'll refer you to an article I liked from Fine Gardening, a magazine/website I trust. There is also a fantastic video to watch that gives you more specific information. (Don't be alarmed by the crazy outfit the woman is sporting. She knows her stuff, so listen up.) I have divided my own perennials at various times in the year, the most common time for me being spring. I know some gardeners who swear by fall dividing, but I think the reason I divide in the spring is this: I simply have more energy and gusto for getting out in the sun and working than I do in the fall. If you read the accompanying article and watch the video, and still have questions, let me know what they are and I will address them.
As a side note, I was remembering how much I moved my plants in UT. I treated them like furniture. If I didn't like where they were, or if they didn't like where they were or they were getting too big for their space, I would dig them up and move them to a better spot. Point is... don't be afraid to move your plants. You don't want to do this in the heat of the summer - mind you, but most plants are pretty resilient and will take being moved with little problems. Just like people, give 'em a little love and they'll respond.
Ciao!
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