Lesson 4
Division
Division is the gardener's superpower: split one mature plant into several, and each new section is already a full plant with roots and crown. There's no waiting for cuttings to root or seeds to germinate.
It works for any plant that grows in a clump from the base: chives, mint, lemongrass, lemon balm, oregano, marjoram, day lilies, hostas, hardy geraniums, fennel.
How to divide cleanly
- 1Choose a cool, damp day in spring or autumn — divide while the plant is dormant or just waking.
- 2Lift the whole plant; shake off enough soil to see the roots.
- 3Use two forks back-to-back to lever a large clump apart, or cut smaller crowns with a sharp knife.
- 4Each new piece needs at least one growing shoot and a decent root mass.
- 5Replant immediately at the same depth, water in well, keep shaded for a week.
Divide chives every 2–3 years and you'll have a lifetime supply — they become more flavourful, not less, with fresh soil.