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Step 1
Dig the herb out of the ground with a shovel or trowel, taking care to remove the entire root clump with the plant. Remove the herb from a pot by tipping the pot on its side and gently pulling the herb from the pot.
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Step 2
Wash down the roots by hosing with water or soaking the root ball in a bucket of room temperature water. Not all of the soil has to be removed, just enough to view the root system.
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Step 3
Divide the roots using two forks or pry the roots apart with both hands. Herbs such as chives and onions have bulbous roots and can be pried apart easily.
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Step 4
Cut stubborn roots using a sharp knife into several sections. Sharp garden scissors can be used on smaller roots.
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Step 5
Re-plant the herb in pots or back in the garden. Water generously on a regular basis until the roots are established.
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Step 6
Repeat the process of dividing herbs every three to four years to ensure vigorous growth. Discard or give away excess herb divisions.
