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- 1). Score a circle on the ground around the carnation plant with a long-handled garden shovel. Draw your circle so it corresponds to the drip line, the farthest edge of the plant where rainwater drips off the leaves. This reduces the chance of damaging the plant's roots.
- 2). Place your foot on top of the shovel blade. Push down and under the carnation plant. Repeat all around the circle until the plant's root system is loose. Lift the plant with the shovel or a garden fork.
- 3). Clear away the excess dirt clinging to the plant's roots by rinsing them with your garden hose set to a gentle spray. Carnation roots are often tangled tightly together; to minimize damage to the roots, you must see as much of the root system as possible before you begin dividing it.
- 4). Pry the carnation plant's roots apart gently with your fingers or a small garden hand fork. Separate the roots into two or more clumps, depending on the size of the original plant.
- 5). Move the clumps to their new location and plant them immediately. If you must postpone planting the divided carnations, store them in brown paper bags, cardboard boxes or buckets in a cool, dark place such as your basement or garage. Cover the plants with damp newspaper to keep them moist until you are ready to plant them.
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