Monthly Articles from the Dirt on Dahlias Newsletter
May 2026: Waking Up and Getting Growing
If April is about anticipation, then May is when things start to feel real in the dahlia garden.
By now, many of us have welcomed new tubers into our collections—because somehow, we never seem to have quite enough! This is the time we begin the process of “waking them up.” Some of you are potting them into containers, while others are using the tried-and-true plastic bag method with a little soil tucked around the tuber. Just remember, if you use a bag, don’t seal it. A little airflow goes a long way in keeping mold and rot from turning your excitement into disappointment.
At the same time, some of our dahlias are waking up just fine on their own. I’ve found that second-year tubers, in particular, often do best when left alone. They seem to know exactly what they’re doing—and sometimes better than we do.
This spring has been unseasonably warm, which can make it very tempting to plant early. But dahlias like warm soil, not just warm air. Waiting until the soil temperature reaches about 60 degrees can make all the difference. Planting too soon in cool, damp soil is one of the quickest ways to lose a tuber.
When you do plant, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Lay the tuber horizontally about 4–6 inches deep, with the eye facing up. If you already have a sprout, handle it gently—it doesn’t take much to snap off that first hopeful shoot.
Watering—A Gentle Start
One of the hardest things to do is not water right away. Until you see green growth above the soil, it’s best to hold back. Once your dahlias are actively growing, then you can begin a regular, deep watering routine.
Keeping an Eye on Things
As those first leaves appear, so will the usual garden visitors. Aphids, thrips, and spider mites are always ready to join the party. Many growers begin spraying when plants are just a few inches tall. However you choose to manage pests, staying consistent will make your life much easier as the season progresses.
Stake Now, Smile Later
It’s always a good idea to stake at planting time. Dahlias grow quickly, and trying to add support later usually turns into a bit of a wrestling match—with the plant, the stake, and your patience. A sturdy stake now saves trouble later.
A Little Update from My Garden
My “Magic Tree” is still doing its job, helping with all that extra moisture we seem to get each winter and spring. But this year, I had to step in and do a little pruning. A few of my dahlias had their minds made up about reaching for the sun and were leaning just a bit too enthusiastically.
Apparently, even in the dahlia garden, everyone wants their moment in the spotlight.
May is such a hopeful time. Every new sprout feels like a small success, and every planted tuber carries the promise of summer blooms. Whether you’re carefully coaxing along new varieties or simply watching old favorites return, this is the month where it all begins to come together.
Enjoy every bit of it—muddy hands, hopeful eyes, and all.
Happy Gardening!
Linda
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April 2026 - A Season of Surprises and Second Chances
April in the Piedmont of North Carolina always feels like a turning point, but this year, it feels especially triumphant. After a winter that tested even the most seasoned gardeners—with bitter cold and stretches of snow many of us aren’t accustomed to—there was plenty of reason to worry about what we might find when we finally turned back to our dahlia beds.
For those who carefully lifted and stored their tubers, April is a familiar and welcome return to the rhythm of the garden: checking eyes, dividing clumps, and preparing for planting time. But for those of us who chose to leave our dahlias tucked safely (or so we hoped!) in the ground, this spring has felt a bit like opening a long-awaited mystery.
And what a delightful surprise it has been. Against the odds, many of our in-ground tubers have survived the winter beautifully. Personally, I had all but given up hope during those cold January nights. In fact, I became so convinced of their demise that I kept ordering new tubers throughout the winter—just to be sure I wouldn’t be without my beloved blooms this summer.
Now, as I dig into the garden, I’m greeted with healthy, viable clumps emerging from the soil like little miracles. I’ve decided to call them my “Houdini’s”—because truly, their return feels like a bit of magic.
Of course, this abundance brings its own challenges! What once felt like a potential shortage has quickly turned into a delightful dilemma. Between the overwintered tubers and the new varieties arriving by mail, many of us are now faced with the happy task of sorting, dividing, and planning.
April is the perfect time to gently “wake up” your tubers. Whether they’ve been stored away or are just now being uncovered, begin by checking for firm, healthy tubers and viable eyes. Dividing clumps now not only helps increase your stock but also ensures stronger, more productive plants.
As we prepare for planting, patience remains key. Dahlias thrive in warm soil, and it’s best to wait until soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees before setting them out. Planting too early can lead to rot or slow growth, especially after a cool spring.
In the meantime, this is a wonderful month to finalize your garden plans. Consider your layout, refresh your soil with compost, and think about support systems for your plants before they begin their rapid growth. And of course, many of us are also busy preparing for our upcoming tuber sales—another joyful sign of the season and a chance to share the bounty with fellow dahlia lovers.
April reminds us that gardening is always a balance of hope and uncertainty. This year, it also reminds us not to give up too soon. Sometimes, even after the harshest winters, our gardens have a way of surprising us.
And if you find yourself, like me, with more tubers than you expected—well, that just means more beauty to grow, and more to share. Happy planting—and here’s to a garden full of Houdini’s.
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Linda
March 2026 - March in the Piedmont
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!
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.
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:
• 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).
• 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.
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.
Mark Your Calendar!
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.
Here's to warmer days ahead and another beautiful dahlia season in the Piedmont!
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Linda