How to Divide Oregano and Chives

Do you have an herb garden or want to start one? Then you may be wondering how to divide your herbs, specifically oregano and chives. Knowing how to divide these herbs can help you maintain a healthy garden while also providing you with fresh herbs for cooking. In this article, we will discuss the steps for dividing oregano and chives to keep your garden thriving.

The Benefits of Dividing Oregano and Chives

Before we dive into the steps for dividing oregano and chives, let's talk about why you should divide them in the first place. There are several benefits to dividing these herbs:

• Promotes growth: Over time, herbs like oregano and chives can become crowded and compete for nutrients. Dividing them helps promote new growth and ensures that each plant has enough space to thrive.
• Control spread: Some herbs, like oregano, can take over a garden if left unchecked. Dividing them helps control their spread and keeps them from overtaking the area.
• Healthier plants: By dividing your herbs, you can remove any diseased or damaged parts of the plant and promote healthier growth overall.

Dividing Oregano

Oregano is a hardy perennial herb that can grow up to two feet tall. It's an excellent addition to any herb garden, but it can quickly take over if not divided regularly. Here's how to divide oregano:

1. Choose the right time: The best time to divide oregano is in the spring when new growth appears. This gives the plant time to establish its roots before the hot summer months arrive.
2. Prepare the plant: Water the oregano plant thoroughly a day or two before dividing it. This will help the soil hold together when you remove the plant from the ground.
3. Remove the plant: Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the oregano plant out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the roots.
4. Separate the plant: Use your hands or a sharp knife to divide the plant into sections. Each section should have its own set of roots and leaves.
5. Replant: Once you've divided the oregano, replant each section in a well-draining soil mixture. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.

Oregano plant in an herb garden

Dividing Chives

Chives are a popular herb that adds flavor to many dishes. They're also easy to grow and maintain, but they do need to be divided every few years to keep them healthy. Here's how to divide chives:

1. Choose the right time: The best time to divide chives is in the early spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
2. Prepare the plant: Water the chive plant thoroughly a day or two before dividing it. This will help the soil hold together when you remove the plant from the ground.
3. Remove the plant: Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the chive plant out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the roots.
4. Separate the plant: Use your hands or a sharp knife to divide the plant into sections. Each section should have its own set of roots and leaves.
5. Replant: Once you've divided the chives, replant each section in a well-draining soil mixture. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.

Chives in an herb garden

Tips for Dividing Herbs

Now that you know how to divide oregano and chives, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Use sharp tools: A sharp knife or garden fork will make it easier to divide your herbs without damaging the roots.
• Don't divide too often: While dividing your herbs is necessary, don't do it too often. Most herbs only need to be divided every three to five years.
• Transplant extras: If you end up with more herb sections than you need, consider transplanting them to another part of your garden or giving them to a friend.

By following these tips and knowing how to divide your herbs, you can ensure a healthy and thriving herb garden for many years to come.

herb garden, gardening tips, oregano, chives, dividing herbs