By Tamara Galbraith

Fall is the best time to divide most overgrown perennials...but that doesn't mean you can't get a headstart on the process a little earlier. As a general rule, dividing is done opposite a plant's blooming season, i.e., spring bloom = fall division, etc. Most perennials should be divided every three to five years.

Walk around your landscape during summer's bloom boom and observe what plants will be in need of dividing when autumn does finally roll around. Arm yourself with a pad and pencil, and make notes. Additionally, jot down ideas about other plants that may not be in the best location for optimum performance. Are your hostas getting too much sun? Are your Louisiana irises staying too dry?

A few of your plants might actually be ready for multiple divisions. For example, I can tell just by looking at the crown of my Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' that there are actually three plants existing in the same space. Where am I planning on putting the others once divided? Maybe your plant divisions would make nice gifts for friends or family...write that down too. Most gardeners go weak in the knees at the thought of free plants!