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Double Your Garden: How To Divide Perennials

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- If the perennials in your yard have stopped blooming, maybe it's time to dig them up.

Susie Bachman from Bachman's suggests dividing a plant, like hostas, in half and replanting them to give it new life.

She said it can help them grow and bloom again instead of remaining an overgrown clump.

Bachman said it's easy to do if you follow some simple tips.

First, she said divide perennials when they're not blooming. If the plant blooms early, divide it late and if it blooms late, divide it early.

Bachman said for best results, split the plant up on a cool, cloudy day. This will minimize the stress on the plant. It will also help if it has rained earlier, otherwise water the plant a couple of days ahead of time.

Next, be sure and dig up the entire plant and use a sharp knife or garden spade to cut the plant into smaller parts.

When you replant the smaller plants, Bachman suggests adding compost, another organic material or a plant starter, and lots of water.

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