At the end of the summer as plants die back and go into dormancy, spring and summer-flowering herbaceous perennials can be divided to create more plants. As long as the soil is workable you can do this any time between September and November; autumn-flowering plants such as asters and chrysanthemums should be left until spring. You don’t need to do this every year, but after five or six years a perennial clump can get too big and congested and dividing it will reinvigorate the plant for the following year.
How to divide perennials
Each plant should be carefully dug up using a border fork. Some plants with light, fibrous roots such as hostas, epimediums or heucheras can be easily pulled apart to make a number of smaller plants. Others like day lilies or geraniums can be tougher, so try using two border forks back to back to prize them apart.
You might even have to use a sharp knife, an edging iron or a sharp spade to cut apart plants with a solid woody root - hellebores, for example, or peonies. Make sure each division has four or five healthy shoots and replant each new division as soon as possible, adding fresh compost to the planting hole, and keeping them watered as they establish. If you have excess plants that you don’t have room for in the garden you can pot them up and give them to friends.
The S-Type Hori Hori knife from Niwaki is an ideal tool for dividing perennials, its knife-grade serrated blade making it easy to slice through tough roots. With a smooth beech handle, it costs £70 with an optional canvas sheath (£12) or leather holster (£32). niwaki.com
Any good quality border forks can be used back to back to split perennials, but the best quality tools I know are made by Dutch toolmakers Sneeboer, and their 4tt Border Fork is worth investing in. Made from highest quality steel with sharpened tines, topped with an ash handle, it costs £128.13 from sneeboer.com
The Blundstone Original Clogs are a fantastic alternative to a heavier boot for summer and autumn gardening. Available in five different finishes including classic Blundstone leather (£165) and waxed suede (£150), they are comfortable and hard-wearing, available both in men’s and women’s sizes from blundstone.co.uk
Dividing plants is mucky work, so hard-wearing clothing is essential. These tough duck canvas dungarees are good for all weathers, with handy pockets for tools. They have triple stitched seams and double-layer knees, and adjustable shoulder straps. They cost £69.99 on sale from gardaly.com
Save your knees when working in the garden with this stylish Garden Kneeler, £42 from the Carrier Company. Made from extremely tough waterproof canvas with a thick layer of padding, it also includes a handy pocket for tools.carriercompany.co.uk
Also from the Carrier Company is this useful Large Oilskin Carrier, £70, ideal as a receptacle for your divided plants which can then be carried elsewhere in the garden. It is also useful for clearing leaves and weeds. carriercompany.co.uk
