In the Dahlia Garden - by Linda Ernst

March in the Piedmont always feels like a turning point. After an especially cold and snowy January and early February, our gardens are slowly stretching awake. As I write this, the temperature is 45 degrees after a chilly low of 37 last night-but the forecast promises highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s later this week. That kind of swing reminds us that while spring is knocking, winter hasn't completely left the porch just yet!

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For those who leave their dahlias in the ground, patience is key. Resist the temptation to dig too early. The soil is still cool, and those precious eyes won't begin active growth until the ground consistently warms. If you mulched well in the fall with compost, pine needles, or leaves, your tubers are likely resting comfortably beneath their winter blanket. March is a good time to gently pull back some mulch to allow the soil to warm-but keep it nearby in case another cold snap threatens.

For members who dig and store their tubers, this is the month to check on them. Inspect stored clumps for firmness and remove any that show signs of rot or excessive shriveling. Good airflow and moderate moisture are still important as we transition into spring.

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Many of us will soon be receiving new tubers-always an exciting time! Whether they're new purchases or divisions from your own stored clumps, March is when we begin the process of "waking them up." There are two simple methods:

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• Container Method: Place tubers in pots with lightly moistened potting mix, keeping the crown just above the soil line. Set them in a bright, warm area (but not in direct harsh sun).

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• Baggie Method: Place tubers in a plastic bag with slightly damp potting mix or peat. Leave the bag loosely closed and store in a warm place. Check regularly for eye development and moisture levels.

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These same methods work beautifully for tubers that you dig and divide this spring. Pre-sprouting helps you clearly see the "eyes," making division easier and giving your plants a head start before planting time.

As you plan your beds, remember that dahlias thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. March is the perfect month to prepare your garden space-adding compost, checking drainage, and mapping out where those new varieties will shine this summer. And speaking of sharing dahlias.

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 Mark Your Calendar! 

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Our Annual Tuber Sale will be April 18th. This is a wonderful opportunity to add new varieties to your garden and support our Society. If you need help dividing your tubers, bring them on April 17th, when experienced growers will be available to guide you through the process. Whether you are new to dividing or just want a little reassurance, we are here to help. Be sure to watch the newsletter for specific times and additional details. March is a month of anticipation. Beneath the soil, life is stirring. In our garages and sunrooms, tubers are beginning to wake. And in our hearts, we are already picturing those first blooms of summer.

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Here's to warmer days ahead and another beautiful dahlia season in the Piedmont!

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                                                                      Linda

As I write this, we are bracing for a significant ice storm-one of those reminders that February is still very much winter, even though our gardening hearts are already drifting toward spring. For dahlia growers, February is less about doing and more about preparing, protecting, and planning. 

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Watching the Weather (and the Garden)

February weather in our area can be unpredictable. Ice, heavy rain, and fluctuating temperatures are all part of the mix. For those who left tubers in the ground, now is the time to make sure winter protection is still in place. Mulch, pine needles, or leaf cover may need to be fluffed back up if wind or rain has shifted it. Good drainage remains critical-standing water combined with cold temperatures is far more damaging than cold alone. Growers who lifted and stored tubers should check them periodically this month. Look for signs of rot or excessive shriveling. A gentle touch is all that's needed-remove any compromised tubers and lightly mist those that appear too dry.

 

Resist the Urge to Rush

On mild February days, it's tempting to tidy up the garden or pull back winter coverings. Resist that urge. Dahlias are still dormant, and premature exposure can lead to damage if cold temperatures return-as they often do. Think of February as a month for restraint; the best action is often no action at all.

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Planning Season Begins

February is a wonderful time to plan for the coming season. Take inventory of stored tubers, label varieties if needed, and decide which ones you may want to divide once spring truly arrives. This is also the perfect time to review last year's notes: • • Which varieties performed best? Which locations had the best drainage and sun? Where might improvements be made? Seed catalogs and dahlia lists are hard to resist this time of year-and dreaming is absolutely allowed.

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Preparing the Soil (On Paper, Not with a Shovel)

While the soil may be frozen or saturated now, February is a good time to think ahead. Plan for soil amendments, compost additions, or bed expansions once conditions allow. Healthy soil is the foundation for strong plants later in the season.

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A Month of Quiet Work

February reminds us that gardening isn't always about visible progress. Sometimes it's about patience, observation, and trust in the cycle. While ice storms may come and go, our dahlias are resting-gathering strength for the spectacular season ahead.

Spring will arrive soon enough...

Until then, stay warm, stay safe, and keep dreaming of blooms.

                                                                      Linda

January finds the dahlia garden quiet and resting, but for gardeners, this is an important time of preparation and planning. While our beds may be bare and the blooms only memories, winter offers the perfect opportunity to tend to details that set the stage for a successful season ahead. Among our members, there are many approaches to winter care. Some gardeners have dug, divided, and stored their tubers, while others—myself included—have chosen to leave them safely in the ground. My garden benefits from what I affectionately call my Magic Tree, which helps absorb excess water from winter rains and the occasional snow. To prepare for cold weather, I spread a layer of compost over the beds and covered it with pine needles for insulation. This mulch helps regulate soil temperature, prevents erosion, and protects tubers during freeze–thaw cycles.

 

For those who have stored tubers, January is a good time to check storage conditions. Look for signs of rot or excessive shriveling and remove any compromised tubers so problems don’t spread. Tubers that appear dry can be lightly misted or wrapped with slightly damp packing material to prevent further dehydration.

 

Garden planning is another productive winter task. Review last season’s notes—which varieties thrived, which struggled, and where improvements can be made. January is also a great time to sketch out garden layouts, keeping in mind plant height, spacing, airflow, and sun exposure. Thoughtful planning now can help reduce disease pressure and make summer maintenance easier.

 

Winter is also the season for catalog browsing and gardener conversations. Talking with fellow dahlia growers often reveals which varieties performed well in our climate. Living in the North Carolina Piedmont, I especially look for heat-tolerant tubers that can handle our hot, humid summers. Choosing varieties proven to succeed locally increases the chances of strong plants and abundant blooms.

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Even in the stillness of January, the garden is full of promise. I get very attached to my dahlias, and I look forward to welcoming them back each spring. Though they rest beneath the soil or on storage shelves, this winter work—planning, protecting, and preparing—ensures they will return ready to thrive.

January Dahlia To-Do List

• Check stored tubers for rot or excessive drying; discard any that show problems

• Ensure stored tubers remain cool, dark, and protected from freezing

• Inspect in-ground beds for drainage issues after heavy rain or snow

• Refresh mulch if needed to maintain insulation

• Review notes from last season and identify strong performers

• Browse catalogs and research heat-tolerant varieties suited to our area

• Talk with fellow dahlia growers and start a wish list for spring planting

 

While it seems a long time to Spring, it really isn’t. December 21st was the shortest day of the year. After that the days subtly get longer. Even as I write this I have noticed that the sun sets later. And another thing I have noticed is January provides some fantastic sunsets. So enjoy the changing seasons that Mother Nature provides for us!

Hope to see you at our February Meeting!!  

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                         Linda