Overwintering Dahlia Tubers In The Ground - Mulch + Leaf Cover - December 2024

Yesterday, I posted about my first experience with trying to dig up and save dahlia tubers using the "saran wrap method".  In that post, I talked about how I decided to leave a couple of tubers in the ground to see how they would do.  We're in Zone 6a/5b, so dahlia tubers are *not supposed* to survive our Winter.  But...because of the unique setting, I thought I'd give it a shot.  By 'unique setting', I'm talking about what I think is a small, potential 'microclimate' that exists on the side of our house.

By 'microclimate', I mean...an area that is slightly "warmer" than the rest of our garden.  I'm not talking a huge difference.  But, I suspect there's some difference.

Why?  

Well...experience, mostly.  And, the Disneyland Roses.  

I had Disneyland Roses up front and along the side.  The three in the front...lost their first Winter.  The three along the house?  All have survived.

What makes it unique?  

First, it is a southern exposure.  Plenty of access to the big, blue sky - if not always the sun (which...during the Winter is lower in the sky).  Then, the house.  Our house blocks that COLD NORTHERN wind from coming in.  And, our neighbor's house in just like 15 feet away.  Making this little alley of sorts.

So...what did I do to protect the tubers?  Not much.  But, I first cut the stems off.  Then, piled on a couple in layer of leaves.  On top of the leaves...a pile of biosolids followed by the stems laid on top.

Here, below are a few photos.