Autumn Is Here! Time To Divide, Move and Share Plants

This summer has been brutally hot and dry here in New England so I haven’t touched my plants other than a light, occasional weeding and some watering. Now that the weather is cooler and we are getting some rain it’s time to do some dividing and moving of plants.

Fall is the best time to do this because the plants are less stressed than during the heat of the summer and the roots will have more time to get established. While the leaves above ground may be going dormant, the roots are growing downward in the soil and starting to establish the plant. While the whole plant may sleep in the winter, those established roots will awaken again in the spring and continue to grow so that your plants are more established and ready for the stresses of summer heat and dryness. This is especially true for bushes and small trees which stand the best chance of success if moved in the fall. Watering deeply every few days will continue to be important the first 2-3 years. If you don’t get much rain be sure to pull out your hose.

Typically I’ll water the desired plants before I move them to be sure they are in good shape. Generally I’ll try to do this the day before or at least a few hours before I start digging.

I’ll dig some holes first before I pull out plants to reduce the amount of time the plants are out of the ground. Then, I’ll use a good shovel, dig around the plant and get it out of the ground. I’ll divide with either a shovel or garden saw and replant or share with friends.

A good watering after planting is a must. Many times I’ll fill the hole with water before planting, and water after planting. If we don’t rain I’ll water again deeply every 3 or 4 days for at least the first month.

Before you know it your gardens will be full with plants that love your property and you'll reduce the time you spend mulching and weeding because those plants will fill in the spaces. And, the price is right!! Enjoy and Happy Gardening!