How to divide potted herbs

Use this guide to divide clump forming plants such as herbs and perennials. Division is a form of vegetative propagation.

Dividing herbs
Dividing herbs
Learning objectives:
  • Learn how dividing plants helps them grow
  • Recognise root systems and how they function
  • Learn how to water and maintain plants after division
Curriculum links:
  • Science: Understand vegetative propagation and plant division
  • Design & Technology: Practice practical gardening skills for potting and dividing plants
  • PSHE: Encourage responsibility and teamwork while caring for plants
​

Jump to

Key vocabulary

Herbs | Division | Roots | Soil | Watering | Trowel | Pot | Compost

Introduction

Divide and pot plants several weeks before you sell or plant them out in the garden to allow them to establish new roots. Dividing chives, coriander, basil and parsley is a great fundraising activity.

Step by step

1. Choose good quality plants to divide and ensure they have lots of strong new growth

2. Take the plant out of the pot and with your hands roughly divide the plant in the middle

3. Gently begin to pull the plant apart

4. Once you have two plants look to see if you can divide the plants further into quarters

5. Using the same technique you used before divide the plants again

6. Once you have divided the plant into as many pieces as you wish, pot up each plant separately

7. Water after potting and keep the plants in a warm light place until they have established

Free teaching support

Our free learning programme provides advice, inspiration, training and rewards, to help make your growing journey a success

Sign up today