Now is a good time to test your soil for nutrients. You can find a soil testing kit at a local nursery and do it yourself. Sending soil samples for testing is more expensive but may produce better results. You can google "soil testing labs" and choose one that sounds good to you.
Adding compost is always a good idea. Using your own homemade or bags or ordering by the yard depends on the size of your plot, your energy level, and the size of your wallet. Have you heard of "zoo poo?" Oakland Zoo has lots of it. Just after you pass the kiosk (before driving to the parking lot) you turn left and enter the composting area. It's free.
Rototilling - some people work the soil each year to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Others say that disturbs the micronutrients and don't til, but they turn the soil around each plant location. Tilling is not helpful to the local worms ... that's for sure!
Colorado Dahlia Society has detailed descriptions of preparing dahlia plots ... Check out their site for lots more information.
Adding compost is always a good idea. Using your own homemade or bags or ordering by the yard depends on the size of your plot, your energy level, and the size of your wallet. Have you heard of "zoo poo?" Oakland Zoo has lots of it. Just after you pass the kiosk (before driving to the parking lot) you turn left and enter the composting area. It's free.
Rototilling - some people work the soil each year to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Others say that disturbs the micronutrients and don't til, but they turn the soil around each plant location. Tilling is not helpful to the local worms ... that's for sure!
Colorado Dahlia Society has detailed descriptions of preparing dahlia plots ... Check out their site for lots more information.
In this photo, Curtis is working horse manure into his dahlia beds.
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Here, another dahlia lover uses "homemade" compost and fava beans to enrich the soil.
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