Gardening Tips and Highlights

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Dividing plants

in summer             

 

Need to divide a perennial in summer’s heat?  No sweat. Here are some tips to help with that project:

 

While spring and fall are traditionally the best time to divide, there are plenty of reasons you may need to divide a plant in the summer.  Whether you’re moving or just haven’t had the time until now, many plants take summer division just fine as long as you follow some tips listed.  There are even some plants, such as bearded iris and Oriental poppies, that are better off being split this time of the year.

How to divide plants in summer:  Water the plant you want to divide and it’s future home the day before you dig.

Cut back foliage: Before digging, cut the foliage back by half, this way a smaller root system won’t have to support lots of foliage in the heat later.  Shear plants whose leaves go all the way to the base, such as daylilies, to within a few inches of the soil line.  But if a plant’s leaves are mostly at the ends of the stems like Coral bells, you’ll need to cut individual leaves in half.

Dig up the plant and divide: Dig up the plant, slicing four to six inches out from the edge of the crown.  Then you can divide the plant.

Plant quickly: Get your new plant in the hole quickly so the roots don’t dry out.  Once the plant is in place, fill the hole halfway with soil and water well.  That way the water soaks in and doesn’t evaporate or roll off the soils’ surface.

Fertilize: Apply an organic liquid fertilizer when you water to help get plants off to a good start.

Mulch: Apply an inch or two of organic mulch to help conserve water.  Check your plants each day, and if it looks wilted in the morning or late evening, give it a drink of water.  You may need to water daily for a few days after planting.

 

Information from “Garden Gate.” Remember to stay cool.

 

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