Autumn Ferns – Best Time To Transplant?

Q: Autumn ferns are blocking my sprinkler heads. When is the best time to transplant them? 

A: Autumn ferns can be transplanted any time of the year except during the hottest months of summer. Mid-spring is the best time to move them because you can see the new fronds unfurling and can divide plants accordingly. Ferns are not deeply rooted so it’s easy to use a shovel or spading fork to go under a clump, lift it out of the ground, and shake dirt loose from the rhizomes. Autumn ferns grow best in light shade or in places where they get lots of morning sun but shade after 3:00 p.m..