Moving and splitting ferns.

My friends garden backs onto woodland and ferns invaded a long time ago.

I have a steep sloped wooded area that I want to fill out with shade loving plants. I’m planning to use some of his ferns.

From what I’ve read they have shallow roots and now is time to move and split them?

How long would they survive in planters until I plant them?

Any tips? I’m no gardener.

Thanks

 

I've split and moved mine at this time of the year and potted them up so they'll be fine,be sure to keep them on the damp side though until they get settled.

 

Splitting and moving - but not ferns.....I have many self-seeded primrose plants which I'd like to move to other areas. Please could someone tell me the best time to do this? They are still in flower at the moment.

 

Hiya K78
All easy.
Now is a perfect time to divide ferns. Use a serrated knife, even a saw. Remove any old dead growth. Replant. Water well
Yes, they will grow in planters....I have one here that I have never decided where to plant it so it’s been in a container for 3 years now.....I really must both divide and plant out now!
Watering is the key...the main tip
Go for it K78

JJ28 now is the ideal time to divide or plant primroses in flower or not remove old foliage and flowers though and water well.

 

Thankyou Verdun....will move as soon as I can get a trowel into baked dry clay soil.

 

@K78, don't know where you are situated but I have loads of rescued ferns (I had to clear outside fire escape routes, these weren't the major problems just couldn't bear chucking them) if they can be of use you can have them.

 

Experience says a lot as my friends have posted. However ferns as we refer to them actually are an interesting genus. Most of us have probably suddenly found a fern growing in the compost. These most likely will be from the common bracken or hard fern. Once considered a woodland pest, weed etc. It does provide a home for many bugs especially sheep ticks.

Harvesting bracken is now a big thing. Not only can it provide useful animal bedding etc. It has been trialled and found to be useful as a compost. Explore.

Back to Ferns. Many ferns survive under mixed growing conditions. Some prefer basicaal a waterlogged home. Please take a while to research Ferns.