Why it's a good idea to divide perennials?Improves health and vigor: Gives roots space to absorb more nutrients and waterControls size: Keeps overgrown plants manageableYields free plants: Multiplies your garden stock for freeGrab your gardening gloves and make the most of September, as according to one plant expert, this is the best month to plant without spending a dime.Gardening can be an expensive hobby if you rely on nursery plants to build your beds. But if you’re clever and don't mind a little work, you can make the most of what you’ve already got.Here, Noah Mabey, senior gardener at Thornbridge Hall and horticultural advisor to Platinum Hot Tubs, explains how you can expand your planting for free.September is the perfect time to divide and multiply
(Image credit: Shutterstock)With the soil still warm from summer and temperatures beginning to cool, September is an ideal time to divide many established perennials — those plants that come up year after year.“Dividing perennials is one of my favorite gardening jobs because you’re essentially getting free plants while also improving the health of the original one,” says Mabey. “This gives newly divided plants an opportunity to establish their roots before winter arrives, helping them get off to a strong start the following spring.”The process can also help you tidy up your garden while encouraging healthy growth. He explains, “Over time, established clumps can become overcrowded, which can affect their vigor and flowering. Dividing them gives each section more room to grow, and the added bonus is that you can fill gaps elsewhere in the garden or give the extra plants away.”Which perennials can you divide in September?
