If you have “dahlia fever”, you are in good company and there are things do this month.
Clean the garden
If the soil is relatively dry, clean out the debris and winter weeds. Do not trod around on wet soil; you will compress it. Gather some soil samples and have the pH tested by a commercial company or a local extension service. The ideal pH is slightly acidic, 6.8 give or take - although dahlias are forgiving.
Check your tubers
Take tubers out of storage and check them out. Are they nice and firm and have good, solid crowns? Do you see shoots? If a favorite has shriveled or shows signs of rot, replace it. You can pot them up with potting soil, this will encourage shoots and roots. Some varieties take a month or more to sprout in early Spring. If you have ordered tubers, pot them up when they arrive. Make a list of “must haves” and get in touch with your local dahlia society.
or reputable companies that sell dahlias. The ADS website offers a list of sellers that specialize in dahlias.
Take dahlia cuttings and/or plant seeds
Finally, as I said last month, you can enjoy the end of Winter and wait until next month. 😀
Still waiting patiently,
Harry