It’s a common misconception that once fall rolls around, perennials simply go dormant and don’t require any maintenance until spring. Plus, it’s always temping to put off any major gardening projects until warmer weather has arrived. But, fall’s actually the perfect time to show your perennials some love, so that they can properly weather those winter climes. Follow along in this episode of Backyard Smart for the lowdown on prepping your perennial plants for the cold months ahead, so you can enjoy even more beautiful blooms come spring.
The Benefits of Dividing Perennials
Dividing perennials is all about space and growth. The process allows you to control the size of your plants, preventing your garden from becoming overcrowded. It also helps you plant new beds throughout your yard with the new divisions created from your preexisting perennials.
And, best of all, it works to help your perennials grow back even stronger. Overcrowded plants tend to fight one another for the water, air, and nutrients they need to survive. By giving them some space you help reduce the risk of disease, as well as encourage vigorous springtime blooms.
When to Divide Perennial Plants
Determining when to divide your perennials is contingent on the species you have in your garden. Generally, fall’s the best time to divide perennial plants that bloom in the spring and summer. (Conversely, spring’s the best time to divide fall blooming plants.) But if you’re planning on dividing in the fall, don’t wait too long! Make sure to get outside about four to six weeks before the ground freezes, or else your plants will be in for a rough winter ahead.
Careful! Not every perennial needs to be divided every year. Most need it only every three to five years, while a few need it once every one to two. And some—such as bleeding hearts and peonies—don’t need it at all. So, make sure to do your research before you get dividing.
How to Divide Perennials
Before dividing, there are a few preparations to make to ensure your perennials properly take to their new homes. First, make sure to thoroughly water your plants a day or two before you divide them. To make division even easier, cut your perennials back so you can clearly see what you’re dealing with. Then, head out on a cloudy, dry day and get to work.
When it comes to dividing, starting the process is simple. Just dig up the plant (making sure to dig around the roots) and gently lift it out of the ground, knocking away loose dirt and debris. For the best results, dig outside the drip line (or the outermost part of the plant that water drips from).
Once your perennial plant is free, you have a few options ahead of you. You can either gently pull apart the roots with your hands, cut into them with a knife or spade, or use two gardening forks to wedge the plant in half. However, various perennials have different roots systems, so read up on the best method to use when dividing.
Depending on the size and variety of the perennial you’re dividing, you can typically get four to six new sections from a single plant. To ensure the best plant health, make sure each division has three to five shoots and a substantial, healthy root system. Afterwards, you’re free to plant your new divisions throughout your yard, rearrange your existing beds, or share new plants with family or friends!
Water and Cut Back
Even if you’re not dividing your perennials, it’s always good to get one last thorough watering in before the first freeze. Leading up to that point, however, it’s best practice to gradually wean them back from regular watering to monthly watering throughout fall.
The general rule of thumb is to cut perennials back once they start to fade (or once they just don’t look that pretty anymore). However, like everything else, there are a few exceptions. Some spring-blooming perennials need to be cut back in the fall to ensure the best health, while others should be left alone to help your beds and local wildlife with the winter weather. So, make sure you know what you have in your garden before you begin.
Feeding and Mulching
Once you have your newly divided and cut-back perennial plants situated, now’s the time to layer up! (No, it doesn’t quite mean throwing a jacket or two on, although the chilly fall weather might make you need one.) First, clear off any old mulch from your beds so that the soil is exposed and remove any weeds or grass that’re peeking through. Then, spread on a one- to two-inch-thick layer of compost, followed by an equally thick layer of mulch.
The compost will gradually break down and release nutrients that plants are typically hard-pressed to come by throughout the colder winter months. Promoting better root growth, better soil pH, and hardier plants come spring. Likewise, the layer of mulch protects your plants from freezing weather. It provides a layer of insulation, helping the root systems stay just a tad bit warmer, while protecting your garden’s soil from erosion and compaction.
Be On the Lookout
Cold weather doesn’t necessarily mean garden pests take a break from making a meal out your plants. In fact, the war still wages on even as fresh foliage becomes harder to come by. Many pests—such as slugs—will chow down on anything your garden has left to offer, so make sure to stay attentive! Before mulching, lay down some slug bait to send them packing.
That’s it! Now you have everything you need to know to prep your perennial plants for fall and winter. All there’s left to do is get outside, get gardening, and make your springtime blooms grow even brighter.
