How To Divide Hostas In September For Fuller, More Lush Growth Next Season

Hostas are stunning shade-loving plants that can easily fill your garden. There are so many different ones to choose from that gardeners with lots of shady spots will never run out of new varieties to try. However, to keep those hardy plants full, lush, and healthy, it's important to divide the hostas in your garden. You will find that the best time to divide hostas is either in the spring as the plants are just starting to resprout or in September, which should give you excellent results. Depending on where you live, you'll want to dig up and divide your clumps well before the ground freezes. This is why September is the ideal time for many gardeners, considering most regions won't see frost for at least another 4 to 6 weeks. If done early enough in the fall, you'll give the replanted sections plenty of time to settle back into the ground and develop roots before a hard freeze occurs.

The reason you want to divide your hostas is to give the roots of the plants more room to grow so that the clumps don't become overcrowded. Allowing each plant section plenty of space will ensure that growth can continue in all directions, leading to fuller growth next season. Plus, dividing hostas also allows you to multiply the plants around your garden without having to buy more — or make them into perfect gifts for your gardening friends. 

To split your hostas in September and set them up for a successful return in spring, it's best to use a spade to dig up the entire clump, then lay it down on a tarp. Once you have the entire clump out of the ground, use your spade or a sharp knife to split the plant and pull it apart it into individual sections. It may help to shake or wash off some of the soil first so that you can better see the roots and growth points. You'll want to ensure that each individual section has at least two or three leaves and plenty of nice fleshy roots.

Once you have your divisions, move quickly to replant each section straight away, giving each piece a new home to grow and expand into. This is another reason to do this in September, because you'll find that the ground is still quite workable without the soil being too dry or too cold. After putting your plants back in the ground, make sure that you water well to allow the soil to really settle around the roots. Continue to provide your plants with enough water to keep them well-hydrated. Consider covering the soil with a thick layer of straw mulch so that your hostas don't heave out of the ground during a freeze and thaw cycle. Once you've taken care of your hostas, take a look around your garden for other perennials you should be dividing in the fall and prepare them for the colder weather to come.