Dividing your plants

Split big clumps into vigorous new plants with Nick Bailey's essential guide

- Nick Bailey

Division is arguably the easiest form of propagation you'll ever do. It requires very little time or equipment and can be carried out in either autumn or spring. Unlike other forms of propagation, division simply involves splitting sections of an established clump-forming plant that already has both roots and foliage.

It's fast to do and is a great way of either sharing plants with friends or spreading a loved plant through your borders. It works well for most herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses and clumps of bulbs, and as a result can save you a fortune. An established miscanthus grass, say 50cm wide, can easily generate 10 substantial new plants, which would otherwise easily set you back £100. So what are you waiting for? Let the division begin...

How to divide plants

Make more plants for free by following my four easy steps. This method will also give old, congested clumps fresh vigour. It's best done early in the morning or in the evening, to reduce water loss. Give the plant a good watering first, ideally the night before. Then lift it from the ground with a spade or fork, taking as much rootball as possible.

1 Sit the rootball on the soil and work out where best to split it. You want several roughly fist-sized sections, each with a good chunk of roots and top growth. Use either two forks back to back to prise it apart, or my preferred technique of cutting with an old bread knife.