The Best Time to Divide Ornamental Grasses & Why You Need DeWit Tools

Ornamental grasses bring beauty, movement, and texture to any garden. However, as they grow and mature, they can become overcrowded, lose their vigor, or even die out in the center. That’s when dividing them becomes essential. But when is the best time to do it, and what tools should you use? Enter the DeWit Spork and DeWit Shark Tine Spade, game-changing garden tools with their unique designs that make grass division easier and more effective.

When to Divide Ornamental Grasses

Dividing ornamental grasses at the right time is crucial for their health and regrowth. The best timing depends on the type of grass you have:

• Cool-Season Grasses (e.g., Festuca, Calamagrostis, Helictotrichon): These grasses begin growing early in the season. The best time to divide them is in early spring, just as new growth emerges, or in early fall before the first frost.
• Warm-Season Grasses (e.g., Miscanthus, Panicum, Pennisetum, Andropogon): These grasses take off in warmer months. The best time to divide them is in late spring to early summer, once they have fully broken dormancy and are actively growing.

Dividing at the wrong time, such as the height of summer or late fall, can stress the plant, delaying recovery and potentially reducing next year’s growth.

How to Divide Ornamental Grasses

Dividing large, tough-rooted grasses can be challenging, but with the right method and tools, the process becomes much easier.

1. Prepare the Grass: Water the grass thoroughly a day before dividing to minimize stress and ease the cutting process.
2. Dig Up the Clump: Use a sturdy digging tool like the DeWit Spork or the DeWit Shark Tine Spade to dig around the base of the grass, loosening the soil. The DeWit Spork’s long, curved tines penetrate compacted soil easily without disturbing the roots too much, while the DeWit Shark Tine Spade’s sharp serrated edges slice through even the toughest roots with ease.
3. Lift and Split: Once the clump is free, lift it out of the hole. If the plant is large, you may need to slice it into sections using the DeWit Spork’s strong, pointed tines or the sharp edge of the Shark Tine Spade.
4. Replant Immediately: Place the new divisions into prepared soil, ensuring they are at the same depth as the original plant. Water them well to establish new root growth.
5. Mulch and Maintain: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and protect the roots while they adjust to their new spot.

Why DeWit Tools Are Essential for Dividing Grasses

Dividing tough ornamental grasses can be labor-intensive, but the DeWit Spork and DeWit Shark Tine Spade make it significantly easier. Here’s why:

• DeWit Spork:
  • Strong, Forged Steel Tines: Unlike regular shovels or forks, the DeWit Spork’s uniquely shaped tines allow for smooth penetration into compacted roots and soil.
  • Efficient Cutting Power: The sharp, curved edges help separate dense root balls without excessive force, preventing unnecessary plant damage.
  • Ergonomic Handle: Designed for comfort and durability, the wooden handle provides excellent grip, reducing strain on your hands and wrists.
  • Built to Last: Hand-forged in the Netherlands, this tool is crafted to withstand years of tough gardening tasks.
• DeWit Shark Tine Spade:
  • Serrated Edge for Maximum Cutting Power: The sharp, jagged tines of this spade make cutting through thick root balls quick and easy.
  • Heavy-Duty Blade: Designed to break through even the toughest soil conditions, making it an essential tool for gardeners dealing with compacted or clay-heavy soil.
  • Versatile Use: Not just for dividing grasses, this spade is also great for breaking up sod, transplanting, and other heavy-duty garden tasks.

Give Your Ornamental Grasses a Fresh Start with DeWit Tools

Dividing ornamental grasses is one of the best ways to keep them healthy, vibrant, and thriving. Whether you’re rejuvenating an old clump or creating new plantings around your garden, timing and technique matter. And with the DeWit Spork and DeWit Shark Tine Spade in hand, you’ll tackle even the toughest grasses with ease and efficiency.

If your ornamental grasses are looking overcrowded or struggling, now is the perfect time to give them a fresh start. Visit your favorite garden center and ask for DeWit tools, or conveniently shop online and get your hands on these top-quality gardening essentials. Share your experience and newfound knowledge with fellow gardeners, and help them discover the joy of using the best tools for the job! Don’t forget to have a look at DeWit’s website, www.dewit.eu

Happy gardening!