My partner decided to grow dahlias for the first time this year. Most of the tubas have all sprouted and are looking good to be planted soon. I have been clearing out areas of the garden but not sure if I need to add compost, manure or anything else. Ground was quite hard to start off with but I have worked it with a spade and it seems like it’s mainly old topsoil. Any hints would be appreciated
Thanks
Mixture of dinner plates, Pompom and decorative verieties
by Ankle101
5 Comments
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It is virtually always a good idea to add compost.
What state are you in? Most states have free or low cost soil testing. You drop off or mail a soil sample and they analyze it and tell you soil type (gives you info on drainage – clay, sandy loam, etc), soil pH, and a vital nutrient analysis. Then they usually give you recommendations of what to add!
I recommend that highly because it eliminates a whole lot of guesswork and can save you money on amendments. I know it sounds fussy but it really isn’t. It also helps you cut through the noise of what people say online, because people are working with very different conditions.
Compost adds organic matter and that’s why it’s virtually always a good idea. The color of this soil you have (and its hardness) suggests it could stand to have a lot more organic matter. My own soil test showed I was on the acidic side, so I added a recommended amount of lime to raise the pH a little (which changes how available some nutrients are to plants). Yours might show that you have clay, or something else, where your pH is fine but adding a whole lot more organic matter annually would be a great idea.
If you wanna go the total guesswork way – compost and worm castings, a handful of Epsoma Flower Tone stirred into the planting hole will help a lot. 👌
Enjoy your flowers!!
Wow, I thought I was a pretty skilled gardener, but I’ve never managed to grow a single tuba, let alone a French horn or even a little old trumpet! Anyway, it does appear your soil could use more organic matter, compost or manure. The usual rule of thumb is no more than about 20% by volume/year. It may take a few years to build up the soil.
Both would be great added to your soil.
I just wanted to add that you may have too many tubers for that space. They really need 12-18 for each plant and I like a little more. It allows for airflow which will help prevent diseases and it’s easier to pick and tend to them. The dinner plates can get quite large.
I just normally put a load of fish blood and bone in the bottom of the hole