Spring division reinvigorates garden plants.

Spring division revives our garden, harnessing the season’s renewed energy for optimal growth. By separating crowded clumps, plants receive enhanced air circulation, promoting vigor and minimizing disease. Benefits include prolific blooming, rejuvenated foliage, and efficient use of garden space, ensuring a lush and vibrant landscape that thrives throughout the growing season.

Plants to Divide in Spring

1. Liriope (Liriope spp.)
   • How to Divide: Dig up the clump, separate sections with a sharp spade, and replant.
   • Tips: Divide every 2-3 years or when the center becomes overcrowded.
2. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.):
   • How to Divide: Lift the plant in early spring, divide the crown, and replant.
   • Tips: Divide every 3-4 years or when the plant becomes congested.
3. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
   • How to Divide: Lift the plant, divide the root ball, and replant sections.
   • Tips: Divide every 3-4 years or when the center becomes less vigorous.
4. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
   • How to Divide: Lift the clump, separate rhizomes, and replant.
   • Tips: Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
5. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
   • How to Divide: Dig up the clump, separate sections, and replant.
   • Tips: Divide every 2-3 years or when the center looks crowded.
6. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
   • How to Divide: Lift the clump, divide fans, and replant.
   • Tips: Spring or fall division is suitable; divide every 3-4 years.
7. Lavender
   • How to Divide: Dig up the entire plant and carefully divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has roots and foliage and replant divisions in well-prepared soil, spacing them 12-18 inches apart
   • Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
8. Thyme
9. Hydrangea

Tips on Dividing Plants in Spring

1. Timing: Early spring is ideal before new growth emerges, allowing plants to recover before summer.
2. Soil Preparation: Ensure the planting area has well-amended soil and is suitable for the specific plant.
3. Watering: Water plants well before and after division to reduce stress.
4. Healthy Divisions: Ensure each division has healthy roots and shoots for successful transplanting.
5. Trimming: Trim back excess foliage to reduce stress and encourage new growth.

How to Know When Plants Need Dividing

1. Reduced Flowering: If the plant is producing fewer blooms, it may need division.
2. Overcrowded Center: When the center appears crowded, it’s time to divide.
3. Declining Growth: If the plant’s growth seems stunted or less vigorous, consider division.
4. Visible Crowding: If you can see roots circling the base, the plant is likely overdue for division.
5. Natural Growth Cycle: Many plants benefit from division as part of their regular growth cycle.

Regular spring division rejuvenates plants, promotes healthier growth, and ensures a thriving garden throughout the growing season.

Gardening Tools for Dividing Garden Plants

When it comes to dividing plants, having the right tools can make the process more efficient and effective. Here are some essential gardening tools for dividing plants, along with recommendations on where to buy them online:

1. Shovel or Spade
   • Use: For digging up the entire plant or dividing large clumps.
   • Online Sources:
     • Home Depot
     • Amazon
2. Garden Fork
   • Use: Loosens soil around the root ball, making it easier to lift the plant.
   • Online Sources:
     • Gardener’s Supply Company
     • Lowes
3. Hand Trowel
   • Use: Useful for digging around smaller plants and lifting them from the ground.
   • Online Sources:
     • The Home Depot
     • Walmart
4. Pruning Shears or Garden Scissors
   • Use: For cutting through roots and trimming foliage.
   • Online Sources:
     • Gardener’s Supply Company
     • True Leaf Market
5. Garden Knife
   • Use: A sharp knife is handy for cleanly cutting through root masses.
   • Online Sources:
     • Amazon
     • Walmart
6. Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
   • Use: Transporting plants and soil during the division process.
   • Online Sources:
     • Tractor Supply Co.
     • Harbor Freight
7. Garden Gloves
   • Use: Protect your hands from dirt, thorns, and sharp edges while working.
   • Online Sources:
     • Etsy
     • Gardener’s Supply Company
8. Watering Can or Hose
   • Use: Water plants thoroughly before and after division to reduce stress.
   • Online Sources
     • Bed Bath & Beyond
     • Target
9. Burlap or Plastic Bags
   • Use: For temporarily covering and protecting plants during transportation.
   • Online Sources:
     • Uline
     • Walmart
10. Garden Kneeler or Knee Pads

• Use: Protect your knees while working close to the ground.
• Online Sources
  • Gardener’s Supply Company
  • The Home Depot

Before purchasing, consider the specific needs of your gardening tasks, and ensure that the tools you select are of good quality and suitable for the types of plants you plan to divide.