Question
QUESTION: my 2nd year growth campanula have already outgrown their garden space.
when and how do i move them to a bigger space in the garden and when do i start to trim them back?

thankyou

philip

ANSWER: Hello Phillip

Move the the plants in September -  the soil will still be warm, so the roots will have time to establish themselves before the winter cold comes in.  Trim them back before you move them to make things easier for yourself.

Before you dig up any plants, decide where they are going to go in the garden and dig the hole(s) in readiness - make them somewhat bigger than the width of the plant.  Sprinkle some soil improver (Blood, fish and bone is good),into the bottom of each hole and also the spoil that came out of it and fork it in a little.

Dig up each plant with as much rootball as you can and transport it carefully to its new home. Place the rootball into the hole, ensuring that it is at the same depth as it originally was by placing a bamboo cane across the hole and making sure that the 'soil mark' on the stems is at the same level as the garden soil. Begin to backfill the hole, gently firming the soil as you go, until it is filled.

Give each plant a good drink of water to settle the soil around the roots.  

In future years cut the plants back when the foliage dies down.

Gill  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thankyou gill

will follow your campanula advice in september, thank you.

can i divide the campanulas in september aswell?
would i need to and if so how? they've gone quite bushy.

philip

Answer
Hello Phillip

Yes you could divide the plants in September this year.  However, in future years Spring would be the best time.

Here's how to do it - after digging the plant up, place it on the lawn, (yes the lawn!)  Take 2 garden forks and stick them back to back through the centre of the rootball.  Standing to the side of the forks take hold of both handles and pull them apart - this could take some effort if the rootball is very dense.  You can divide the rootball as many times as you like by this method, without damaging it.  Plant as soon as possible. Look forward to a splendid display next year!

Gill