Things You'll Need:
- 2 Spading Forks
- Compost
- Compost Bins
- Compost Makers
- Garden Spades
- Planting Containers
- Shovels
- Compost
- Shovels
-
Step 1
Dig up the entire root system using a spade or spading fork - including all the soil from about 6 to 8 inches around the roots.
-
Step 2
Separate the root clumps with your hands by shaking off excess soil and pulling the roots apart into divisions.
-
Step 3
Separate tightly growing clumps with two forks. Stick them between clumps with their back sides together, then push the handles apart.
-
Step 4
Replant the new divisions in the ground, or plant them in containers filled with soil mix.
-
Step 5
Water new plantings well until soil is completely moist.
-
Step 6
Discard the oldest section at the center of the clump if it looks woody and has little new growth.
-
Step 1
Use the following method for perennials that have runners (underground stems) and those that spread by growing roots through the soil and sending up more stems above ground.
-
Step 2
Plunge a shovel or spade straight down into the soil between groups of upright, stems that are above ground. This separates the whole plant into sections.
-
Step 3
Dig up a clump of soil that has roots and three or four stems growing out; dig about 4 or 5 inches down. These are your new plants.
-
Step 4
Replant or pot the extra divisions.
-
Step 5
Refill the original hole with compost.
-
Step 6
Water the remaining plant and the new divisions well, until the soil is completely moist.
