Dividing Bulbs Properly

Bulbs add a splash of color to any garden and have the distinction of being able to be divided to transplant in other parts of the garden or trade with other gardeners.

Sometimes a bulb patch will become overcrowded with too many bulbs and dividing the bulbs can help you prune it out and restore it to the way you want it to look. It is generally easy to tell when a planting of bulbs needs to be divided. One sure sign is when a previously well blooming planting of bulbs has begun to provide only sparse blooms. Most times the culprit is overcrowding, and the solution is to divide those bulbs. Properly dividing the bulbs will reduce the overcrowding and allow the remaining bulbs to bloom for vibrantly.

Bulbs come in different types and therefore the methods of dividing them differ. There are 5 types of bulbs corms, tubers, true bulbs, rhizomes, and tuberous roots. If you plan to divide your bulbs, you need to identify which type you have so that you can divide them properly.

True bulbs

To divide a true bulb, you should begin by carefully separating the original bulb from the smaller bulb growing at its base. When dividing lily bulbs, you should be careful to first remove the outer scales from the basal plate. After the outer scales are removed, the ends of the bulb should be dipped in a rooting hormone, and the bulb should be planted immediately.

Corms

Corms are not true bulbs, and they renew their growth each season through the production of a new corm, and sometimes also small cormels growing on top of the original corm. To divide corms, the gardener should simply separate the healthy new corms, as well as any cormels, from the original corms.

Tubers

As tubers mature, they increase both their size and the number of growing points. However, most tubers do not form distinct increases. Therefore, to divide tubers, a large tuber should be cut into two or more sections, being sure that each section contains at least one growing point.

Rhizomes

The new growth on rhizomes is produced from growth points located at their sides. Rhizomes are divided by breaking the sections apart at the natural divisions between them, being sure that each of the new divisions has at least one growth point on it.

Tuberous roots

A tuberous root will contain several growing points. Some, like daylilies, form separate and distinct plants, which can simply be pulled apart. This type of sectioning is generally done in fall or summer while the plant is still in its growth stage. Other tuberous root plants, such as dahlias, are more difficult to separate. In order to separate more difficult plants like dahlias, you will need to cut the clumps apart so that each root has a growth bud from which to start. With these types of plants, it is best to separate them in early spring, before planting.

Choosing Roses
The rose is a favorite garden flower and has been for decades. They have many uses other than just in flower beds as they are great for cutting and adding to bouquets and keeping in vases.

Planting Perennials
Perennials are a mainstay of many gardens and can be enjoyed for many seasons without replanting. In addition to their longevity they also present the gardener with many choices in coloration as well as size and shape.

Choosing And Planting Bulbs
Bulbs are great to plant in your garden and have the added benefit of blooming again and again for many years. Although many beginner gardeners are a bit put off about planting them, they are actually quite easy to plant and very hardy too.

Popular Bulbs
Read about some popular bulbs and their planting requirements.

Fungicides
Relaxing and rewarding, there is nothing like planting flowers and watching them thrive under your green thumb. But this soothing hobby can become stressful if your garden becomes infected with disease or pests. You can minimize the damage and your stress with a keen eye and proper use of commercial fungicides.

Caring For Your Annuals
With so many different annuals on the market, their ability to resist common plant diseases and insect infestations can vary quite a bit. While some types of annuals are virtually impervious to disease and insects, others require much more care to remain trouble free. Here's some tips on keeping your annuals healthy