skip to main content

? re: digging up and replanting perennials

15 years ago

I have a fair sized perennial bed running along the south side of the house. What goes for lawn is mainly twitch grass. I have tried to build a barrier along the edge of the bed, but that darn grass works its way in. As a result I have some low growing plants (candytuft, lamium, and pinks) that have become choked with grass which is very difficult to get out as the plants are so dense. I'm wondering if the best thing would be to dig the whole works out, clean out the grass and then replant. If this is a wise idea my question is would it be better to do it now in the fall or wait until spring. Although we've had some cold weather, the ground isn't frozen yet.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

marciaz3 Tropical 3 Northwestern Ontario
15 years ago
Wait until spring now. Plants need time to settle back in before winter and the ground will freeze soon enough.

I'm in the same boat with most of my beds. There just doesn't seem to be any way to keep all the grass out. If anyone has good ideas on how to do that, i'd appreciate it. I mean, besides weeding all the durn time!
chickadee__3a
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks ,Marcia, for your advice. It was so nice today (+13)I guess I got enthusiastic about digging, but tomorrow is only 0 so I think my enthusiasm will drop along with the temp. I remember reading somewhere that about the only way to keep that grass out is with a physical barrier that goes 15-18 inches deep. Those roots are relentless!!
Related Discussions
Advice on digging up plants and replanting
Q
Comments (2)
My coneflowers curl downwards as they grow up but face up while in bloom so I wouldn't worry about them. The yellow leaves on the catmint is a sign of root damage, more than likely too much water so rise it up first. If your original soil doesn't drain well you should always plant on top of it and build mounds of good soil around the plants (sort of a raised bed without walls). If the area has some slope to it you can also dig little trenches to drain the bowls of clay under the plants. Sitting in water is bad for most plants. If its been as wet as you say these guys have probably not grown a lot of roots so go ahead and dig them up. Keep in mind that the roots will eventually be longer than they were in the pot so you want to really mound them up high. Also keep in mind that both cone flowers and catmint don't need extra rich soil, just normal garden soil will do. Some of them bloom better in poor soil.
...See More
Should i dig up and replant
Q
Comments (9)
yep that first picture is exactly how it looks. it's 2 of my oldest patriots, that used to have much larger leaves, but as it's gotten larger in girth the leaves have increasingly gotten smaller. So what i guess i'll do is dig out the center and replant it elsewhere and maybe put a lilly in the center. might look a tad odd though. wish i could remember what those flowers were that have absolutely no leaf but a tall stock and cool looking star burst kind of flower. Only thing about that is they only bloom at the end of summer and with no greenery still a big hole in center of hosta the rest of the time, but would look cool for about a week.
...See More
Tiger lilies. Dividing and re-planting
Q
Comments (2)
We have the same zone so that would be best for me too. I don't know how long it takes the bulbs to get large enough to be transplanted, and if keeping them in the ground for a certain amount of time makes them larger or better to replant. For some reason I have thought that it was safe to move them when the plant separates from the ground on top, but I need to study bulbs. Thanks for the response, Cecily. Sammy
...See More
Can I Divide and Replant Perennials Now in Zone 6?
Q
Comments (16)
Jenn, You are getting snow? We are getting another sprinkle. This year has been ridiculous. So based on the comments here, I guess the plan is to do as much as possible with raking leaves and cleaning dead things out and working on the compost piles. Our ground is soft so maybe we should dig the new bed awhile. That way I can still get some things accomplished without disturbing plants. Laceyvail - Wow! We stopped trying to grow soft fruit trees like apricots for that very reason. The blueberries are grown in pots so I can move them to a sheltered location if strange weather threatens, though moving 32 huge pots presents its own challenges. The strawberries so far have not affected by late spring freezes but again, I have trees on that one side so it does create a microclimate. I wish the weather would make up its mind!
...See More
marciaz3 Tropical 3 Northwestern Ontario
15 years ago
15 - 18"! I can barely dig that deep to plant roses and shrubs in my clay!
bdgardener
15 years ago
I agree to do it in the spring. And when I have grass in the middle of a clump of a plant I dig the whole thing out and then soak the entire thing in a bucket of water until all the soil is off, then it is much easier to pull the grass out. As for the barrier can't help you, still looking for that solution myself. Cheryl
Crazy_Gardener
15 years ago
One word - ROUNDUP, ok two words ;)

Sharon
marciaz3 Tropical 3 Northwestern Ontario
15 years ago
I knew you'd say that, Sharon! LOL
savona
15 years ago
Something I am trying new this year is using roofing paper with wood chips over it. I started a new planting down my lawn fenceline and wanted a border of shrubs and perennials. DH dug large holes for the plants and then I laid the roofing paper out giving a generous space around each plant and then covered with several inches of wood chips. I will have to do some weeding around the base of the shrubs and plants this spring. I had seen this in another forum and hope it works as it has saved me alot of work..savona

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

SUMMER GARDENING 10 Perennials to Extend Your Garden's Summer Color

By LuAnn Brandsen

Revive summer-weary gardens with outstanding late bloomers such as toad lily, Russian sage, blanket flower and more

GARDENING GUIDES Top 12 Summer-Blooming Perennials for Deer-Resistant Drama

Can you have garden color, fragrance and exciting foliage with hungry deer afoot? These beauties say yes

GARDENING GUIDES Essential Watering Tips for Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

To give your edible plants just what they need, check out these guidelines for how, when and how much to water

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

PETS So You're Thinking About Getting a Dog

By Alison Hodgson

Prepare yourself for the realities of training, cost and the impact that lovable pooch might have on your house

PETS 15 Outdoor Pet Projects You'll Lap Up

By Becky Harris

These bubbling fountains, shelters and other creations by Houzzers are treats for pets and inspiration for other owners

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Soak It Up: How to Manage Stormwater in Your Landscape

By Falon Mihalic

Permeable paving, gravel beds and planted areas in your yard can absorb and cleanse stormwater runoff. Here's how it works

LANDSCAPE DESIGN All-White Gardens Light Up the Night

Lustrous blooms in white, cream and the palest ivory enchant in the landscape at night — and can be practical too

GARDENING GUIDES Warm Up Your Garden With Orange Flowers

By Annie Thornton

Hummingbirds and butterflies are not the only ones who will notice when you introduce a blaze of orange into your garden

Sponsored

1 Review

Industry Leading General Contractors in Columbus

More Discussions

Homeowner maintenance advice for a modern house?

3

Let's talk about the Weather in the colder zones-2-3-4.

78