Splitting and Dividing Plants Part 1

Many plants, especially perennial herbs, are suitable for dividing and splitting.

This then gives the original plant more room, can rejuvenate it, helps new growth and gives a few extra plants to be planted elsewhere or even shared with others.

Here, the original lungleaf plant has sprouted a smaller plant. This smaller plant can be split and planted elsewhere.

A fork is used to lift up the small baby plant.

 

There was also an extra shoot as well, giving 2. These are potted up, they could have also been planted straight in the ground, like this one;

Eventually they will be potted on again or planted.

 

 

 

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Flower Bed Tips – Weeding, Edging and Covering

From top to bottom; Edging Spade (Half Moon), Edging Shears, Hand Fork, Fork, Spade, Rake. Also wheelbarrow for turf – and bucket for weeds and roots.

Begin clearing the bed of weeds and their roots using the forks and bucket.

Roses, aquilegia, and other flowers.

Chive plants grow well with roses, as do most onion type plants.

Now use the edging spade to make a fresh edge.

 

 

Begin removing the turf where it has been cut.

The new edge will begin to form.

The turf can be put in the barrow for using elsewhere or composting.

Now the edging shears can be used to cut off the overhanging grass on the new edge.

Usually it is best to place them on a slight angle.

Now the trimmed bits of grass can be removed.

The gravel around the other edge was managed by using a rake, and also hands and gloves.

Rake some of the soil in the bed toward the edge, to fill in the depression.

The plants can now be given a live covering. At this job, the customer orders this product (strulch) for their trees and beds. Also, woodchip can be used – see here and here.

This is the covering on a different bed. Use plenty of covering.

This bed was done previously  (the other bed is not going to have covering applied yet, as the owner would like to plant some plants in the gaps first).

Erbal Border Gallery (Herb Border)

Live Cycling (A.K.A. Mulching, Soil Covering, Sheet Composting)

The soil between vegetable rows is kept covered once seedlings are up and around hand height, first with the early sowing of spinach or light cover, which can protect neighbouring seedlings from pests and sun. The roots of the spinach (see post on spinach) and mustard which are left in the ground, adds a further dimension to the benefits. At the beginning of the growing season, a cover crop can be sown half way between each row, or the space can be covered straight away with live covering, once the seedlings are near hand height. Spinach grown half way between the crop rows, works best for this. Chop it down once the crop seedlings are established. Over the year build the cover with nearly all things green (accept a few mentioned later).

Keeping it topped up with as much variation as possible, ensures that this season’s and especially next season’s crop will be as well furnished as possible. Using erbs (including ones from the border) as part of the cover will greatly benefit the soil and the life within while preventing pests and disease.

Some advantages of cover;

Keeps soil protected from direct sunlight,

Provides shade,

Keeps soil protected from rain,

Keeps soil protected from wind,

Collects dew,

Acts as a filter for plants,

Preserves moisture,

Reduces the need for watering massively,

Creates a good home for roots, earthworms, and lots of other creatures,

Prevents weeds,

Nutrients are stored, preserved and released properly to plants – roots have an abundant supply and apportion nutrients and water to the receiving plant with ease,

Roots are in a happy environment, nearly always moist but never waterlogged.

Aim to keep soil that does not have seedlings/plants growing in it, covered at all times. Soil which is rooted with roots and shaded by leaves produces proper plants in time. Then these plants will eventually become food for the soil and the live-cycle continues.

The covering provides food for earthworms and all other soil life, while also protecting soil from damage, nutrient leaching, water leaching, capping from the sun etc. Covering is not only the best way to achieve a good soil, but also the best method for preserving good soil. (NOTE: Covering is not usually used until the vegetable seedlings are about hand height, so the covering doesn’t cover the seedlings. [Wind, birds etc move the covering about]).

No straw or peat. Use plenty of medicinal erbs, leaves of harvested vegetables / erbs, wild flowers, flowers which have finished (seeds in flower heads/fruit pods are not a problem), lawn and grass cuttings and hedge clippings are all good. Keep tidy and ordered. A path will quickly be formed, and when the covering is proper and thick, it can even be used as a path in wet, rainy weather.

Chopping the material up helps to keep tidiness and order. Also, woody material can be chopped up if the equipment is available. When chopped into small fine pieces it is ideal for cover and properties within the cells of wood prevent weeds from germinating and growing. Using woody material, that is not shredded, takes a long time to break down and so is un-practical for cover.

Chopping Up Live Cover