Lisa Marie Bernardo

Spring is an excellent time of year to divide overgrown perennials, replant them in other locations and share the extras with other gardeners at flea markets, garden club plant sales and house sales.

However, when purchasing plants from non-nursery sources, carefully evaluate plants before you purchase them.

While it is tempting to buy plants that are inexpensive and interesting, be wise when making your purchases. Inspect plants for health and vitality. Look for plants that are full and well-hydrated.

Plants dug directly from a garden can harbor diseases, pests and weed seeds. Pass on purchasing plants with signs of infestation on the leaves or in the soil to avoid bringing home unwanted garden pests.

The plant should be in a container appropriate for its size; containers too small limit water uptake, while containers that are too large can result in rotted roots. Ideally, the plant should be repotted in a commercial potting soil.Transport your purchases in boxes or bags and store them securely in your vehicle. On warm days, leave an opening in your car window to allow heat to escape and promote air circulation.Conversely, you may want to sell your extra perennials at a plant venue or flea market.Decide in advance the number of plants you want to pot and sell. Divide the plants about two weeks before the sale.

Obtain pots appropriate for the size of plants you are dividing. If you are using old pots, brush out any remaining soil and disinfect the pots with one-part household bleach and nine parts water. Purchase enough potting soil for your intended use.Inspect the plants you want to divide, assuring they are free of disease and insects. Using a clean hand trowel or shovel, dig up the plant.Remove the dirt from the plant's roots (bare rooting) and inspect and remove insects and worms.Carefully place the plant into the prepared container and add enough soil to cover the roots to the crown of the plant. Water the plants thoroughly and keep them in a shady location where wildlife cannot disturb them. Attend to the plants daily.On the day of the plant sale, carefully transport your plants to the venue.

Decide in advance your asking price, taking into consideration the size and variety of the plant, the amount of money you paid for the soil and containers as well as your time preparing and selling the plants.Freshen up your garden with new and unique varieties of perennials purchased from other gardeners.Lisa Marie Bernardo, Ph.D., RN, has been a Penn State Master Gardener in the county since 2003.

Select the plant for dividing, and remove the plant with a hand trowel or shovel.

Gently remove the soil from the roots. Inspect the plant for insects and disease.

Place the transplant into a clean container filled with organic soil. Gently press the transplant into the soil to crown level. Water and label the plant.