How do I thin out an overcrowded iris bed, and what's the best time of year to do it?

The time of year that is best is after blooming is over, normally in July or so.



Using a garden fork or shovel lift the iris up, then work the rhizomes (root base) apart, throw away any parts that are soft, mushy, have grubs, or are hollow. You might have some that are really long with no roots except at the bottom of the leaves, just cut the rhizome near where the roots begin.



Trim the leaves into a fan shape, about 6 inches in length, and you can either replant them or soak them for a few minutes in a bleach %26amp; water solution to get rid of disease and parasites. The mix for that is 1 cup bleach to 10 cups water.



When you replant the iris dig a shallow trench for each rhizome, then make a little mount in the middle. Put the rhizome on the mound with the roots on either side, cover the roots and leave at least half of the rhizome uncovered.



Trimming the leaves will encourage growth of both leaves %26amp; roots, so it is good to do. It also reduces moisture loss. Iris prefer to be dry, which is why you don't want to cover the rhizome entirely, because that way they can breathe.



Have fun, I love iris :)

How do I thin out an overcrowded iris bed, and what's the best time of year to do it?
In spring,or fall! But you can still do it now!! Just dig out every other one,then clip them back a little!! plant them elsewere,or give them to a friend!! They should be watered daily for a while!! Then as needed!! As for where you dug them up,you will have to fill the holes with some top soil or good compost!! It does"nt matter which!! I hope I helped you!!! Dave.
Reply:Spring or fall. You can do it with effort and hard work.

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