overwintering in ground: drainage

9 years ago

New member from the Lower Mainland British Columbia:
We have mild winters here but wet, wet, wet.
This is my first year gardening and I love my Dahlias. I have some tubers lifted to store but I am going to try to over-winter the rest in the ground. I have dug up a garden bed (not raised) on the sunny south side of the house. I have purchased and put in all new garden soil from my favorite nursery. I am about to transplant some from one bed to the new one and I am concerned about drainage and rotting of the tubers (we are known for our rainfall).

What can I do to help drainage? Gravel or sand below the plants? Since the soil is fresh from the garden centre would amending it with anything else just be a waste of time?

I am also lifting and transplanting before first frost, can't really wait for it. Today is about 10 Celsius and sunny. Will this affect my goals as well?

Adding a picture of garden before the truck of soil arrived.
I look forward to any answers and knowledge you can share. I've read some postings here and you've been extremely helpful already, I had to join up this morning!

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Comments (3)

mojorox4
Original Author
9 years ago
This is what the garden looks like now. I plan to plant on both sides up against the fence for support.
CCvacation
9 years ago
Computer ate my rather lengthy response...

Here it is in a nutshell...

All the serious growers in that region that I know ALWAYS dig in the fall to avoid rot. One has excellent drainage in raised beds, and still digs annually.

It doesn't look like you have space for many plants... Perhaps just buying new ones every year might be the way to go. Just because you CAN save the tubers doesn't mean you HAVE to. That will allow you to try many different varieties, and not stress on if they come back or not. If they do, GREAT! If not, time to try new ones!

Check out the images at this local Vancouver Island dahlia vendor on Facebook... She has detailed instructions on digging and storing, and is a very accomplished grower.

Sorry, American folk! She only sells to Canadians.

Here is a link that might be useful: Connie's Dahlias
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mojorox4
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you. I appreciate another perspective.
There is far more room on the other side of the fence although you cannot tell from the pic but I will take another look at what's there and reassess for spring.

You may have a point about starting anew each year. I was raised to never waste but it's also a lot of work! (this garden is only a small fraction of total beds).

I have decided to use this as a learning opportunity. Leave some in-ground and store some. See what happens. If I have to buy new ones I can pick put my favorites. If I am successful and end up with too many tubers well, gifts for everyone. I figure I can learn just as much from failure as I can from success.

Checking out the website next. Nice to have a more local input.
Cheers.