I'm feeling a bit rushed with my gardening plans this September. If I don't divide and move my perennials this weekend, I won't get around to it until October. The weather looks like it will be wet and overcast, so I'm wondering—would it be a bad idea to tackle this project at the end of August, especially if there's a chance we might get a mini heatwave in September? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
From what I've heard, it's generally best to divide perennials in early autumn, ideally around September or October. This gives them the chance to settle in before winter hits.
You could definitely wait until we get some mild weather in October. Early fall is usually a good window, and your plants might appreciate the extra time to recover.
It's better to wait until after a week of consistent autumn rain. Around this time, the daylight starts to shorten, which is when herbaceous perennials get ready for dormancy. The ground should be wet but still warm enough for the roots to re-establish comfortably.