Should I lift my dahlias?
Q I never know whether I should lift my dahlias or leave them in the ground. My soil usually drains well but we do get heavy frosts here. What is the best advice?
A If you can be sure that puddles don’t linger long after heavy rain, which indicates that drainage is good and your dahlia roots won’t be waterlogged, leave your plants in situ. Do though protect tubers from penetrating frost by mulching stem bases with straw or composted manure.
If, however, water is seen lying on the surface for a day or more after a drenching rain, lift your plants and store them in a cool but frost-free place, such as a garden shed or garage.
Ideally, before lifting them, shorten stems to around 9in/23 cm and label them. If you can’t guarantee frost-free storage conditions, nestle plants into pots or boxes of potting compost that comfortably accommodate the root system… and pack newspaper, wood wool or chipped bark between your charges to protect them from low temperatures.
