Splitting large plants, also known as plant division, is a common technique to create new plants and revitalize existing clumps. It involves carefully separating the root ball or crown into multiple sections.
Simple Ways to Divide Your Plants
Dividing large plants is a straightforward process once you understand the basic techniques. These methods allow you to manage overgrown plants and expand your garden or share with others.
Common Techniques for Dividing Large Plants
Based on the structure and density of the plant's root system, you can employ one of the following effective methods:
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Pulling or Teasing Roots Apart: For plants with less dense or fibrous root systems, you can often separate them by hand.
- Method: Gently pull or tease the roots apart with your hands. This method is ideal for plants where the roots naturally form distinct clumps or are easily untangled.
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Cutting the Clump: For plants with dense root balls, thick crowns, or rhizomatous growth, a cutting tool is necessary.
- Method: Cut them with a sharp knife or spade. A sharp tool ensures a clean cut, minimizing damage to the roots and crown. This is effective for robust plants that resist hand separation.
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Using Two Forks: This technique provides leverage for tougher, more matted root systems.
- Method: Put two forks in the center of the clump, back to back, and pull the forks apart. This action helps to break the root mass into manageable sections by leveraging pressure from the center outwards.
Choose the method that best suits the specific plant you are dividing, considering its root structure and size. Always aim to keep as much root material as possible attached to each new section.
