Gardening Tips: How to Divide Daylilies

Daylilies are one of the easiest perennials you can grow. They are also one of the most budget friendly. A 2-foot clump can be divided into as many as 10 plants that you can either expand your garden with or share with your friends. To pick up daylily clump, take a garden spade with a nice deep sharp blade. Stick it in to the ground around the perimeter of the plant and get as much of the root ball as possible. Be sure to dig out the entire plant. Loosen the root mass as you go. Use your spade as a lever and top root ball out of the ground. Cut a large clump in half to make it easier to lift. Sit the clumps in a wheelbarrow or on a tarp to confine the mess. Separate each clump into several small plants with the sharp garden knife. Make sure each division has a set of leaves and roots. Place just one of the divisions back in the hole. Use your spade to make sure it's at the same depth they grow before. Improve your garden soil by mixing lots of compost. Shovel it into the hole around the plant. Press the soil down with your hands. Spread mulch around the plant. This will help keep the soil moist and shade out weeds. Water the planting area. Regular watering the first season will help establish the roots. What's next expand your garden at no cost with the other divisions or share them with friends.