’Tis the season for re-potting

Mature nonhardy plants that have been overwintered frost-free and survived will now need re-potting. New growth will have begun on pelargoniums, heliotropes, lantanas and kalanchoes (pictured), among others, so handle with care.

turn each out of its container and tease away as much of the old potting compost as you can. untangle congested roots and prune away weakened top growth.

take a replacement pot large enough to allow extra root growth, ensure it is clean and drains freely, then carefully pot up your plant.

Consider adding slow-release nutrient granules, such as Osmocote six-month feed, to the compost. alternatively, feed your plants regularly in summer.

Water newly-potted plants thoroughly. use support canes if necessary and keep plants frost-free. Move outside from mid-May.

Most perennials will be growing rapidly now. Many can be divided and re-planted in spring, but give priority to early flowering plants, such as lupins, cranesbills, doronicums and columbines.

Dig out each plant and gently tease it apart.

re-plant your divisions immediately, keeping root disturbance to a minimum.

Water well in the coming weeks if it’s dry.

You can divide late-summer and autumn perennials between now and mid to late-april.

Clump-forming plants, such as asters, rudbeckias and border chrysanthemums, are easy to divide.