Dividing Perennials in Fall: When, Why, and How

Fall in Metro Atlanta isn’t just about raking leaves and sipping cider — it’s also the perfect time to give your garden a fresh start.

One of the best things you can do this season is divide your perennials.

This simple garden task helps plants stay healthy, encourages more blooms, and gives you even more plants for free.

Whether you’re refreshing an existing bed or planning a new landscape design, dividing perennials in fall sets you up for success next spring.

At LawnMart, we’ve helped countless Georgia homeowners keep their gardens thriving — here’s what you need to know to do it right.

1.

Why Divide Perennials? 🌼

Over time, perennials grow large, crowded, and sometimes tired-looking.

Dividing them rejuvenates growth and keeps your landscape looking full and vibrant.

Benefits of Dividing:

Healthier plants: Crowded roots compete for nutrients and water.

More blooms: Division stimulates stronger, more balanced growth.

Less maintenance: Prevents plants from overtaking nearby flowers or shrubs.

Budget-friendly landscaping: Free new plants to fill empty spots or share with neighbors.

🌿 LawnMart insight: Think of it as a “reset button” for your garden — quick, affordable, and rewarding.

2.

When to Divide Perennials in Metro Atlanta 🍂

Fall in Georgia provides the perfect window — cooler temperatures, warm soil, and reliable rainfall.

This combination helps new divisions establish strong root systems before winter.

Best Timing:

Late September through early November in the Metro ATL area.

Choose a cloudy day or work in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce transplant stress.

🪴 Rule of thumb: If a perennial blooms in spring or early summer, divide it in fall.

If it blooms in late summer or fall, divide it in spring instead.

3.

Signs Your Perennials Need Dividing

Not sure if your plants are due for a split? Here are the telltale signs:

Fewer or smaller blooms than usual.

The center of the plant looks woody, bare, or dead.

The plant flops open or looks crowded.

Growth has slowed even with good care.

🌸 Common Metro ATL perennials that benefit from fall division:

Daylilies

Hostas

Black-eyed Susans

Coreopsis

Irises

Shasta daisies

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

4.

How to Divide Perennials Like a Pro
Step 1: Prepare

Water your plants thoroughly a day before dividing to reduce stress and make digging easier.

Step 2: Dig

Use a spade or garden fork to gently lift the plant from the soil.

Try to keep as much of the root system intact as possible.

Step 3: Separate

Shake off excess soil and gently pull apart the roots.

For tough clumps, use a sharp knife or garden spade to slice through the center.

Step 4: Replant

Replant divisions immediately at the same depth as before.

Water well and add mulch to help retain moisture and protect roots.

Space them properly to give each plant room to grow.

Step 5: Feed

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote root development.

🌱 LawnMart tip: We carry top-quality garden tools, organic compost, and soil enhancers made for Georgia clay — perfect for dividing season.

5.

Bonus: Share or Relocate Your Extras 🌻

One of the best perks of dividing perennials? You’ll end up with more plants than you started with!

Fill in bare spots in your landscape.

Create new container gardens for patios or porches.

Share with neighbors or friends — everyone loves free plants!

🌼 LawnMart idea: Label your divisions with plant names and bloom times to keep your garden organized.

6.

Aftercare: Help Divisions Thrive

After dividing, your plants need a little extra TLC:

Keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks.

Add 2–3 inches of mulch to insulate roots.

Avoid heavy fertilizing until new growth appears in spring.

Remove dead foliage as temperatures drop to prevent disease.

💧 LawnMart product pick: Our Georgia Garden Mulch Mix and Root Starter Formula make post-division care easy.

Keep Your Garden Growing Strong with LawnMart

Dividing perennials in fall is one of the smartest moves you can make for a healthier, more colorful yard next year.

Whether you’re a weekend gardener or a landscaping pro, LawnMart Metro ATL has everything you need — from tools and soil to fertilizers, mulch, and expert advice.

🌿 We offer:

Local delivery across Metro Atlanta

Seasonal garden guides and workshops

Premium compost, soil blends, and perennials suited for Georgia’s climate

🍁 Visit LawnMart.com or stop by our Metro ATL location to keep your perennials — and your garden — thriving year after year.