for Growing Dahlias the Bay Area by Ted Marr, Deborah Dietz,
Rose Marr start Dahlia Calendar with December because December
is the end and beginning of Dahlia Seasons. End for this season;
and, the beginning for the next. Getting off on the right step
is critical for next year’s crop. Dig up your clumps, keeping as
much dirt around each as possible. Shovel a 1’ radius circle
STRAIGHT DOWN around your plant. This severs any extended roots.
Using opposable shovels or forks or a combination of both,
gently jimmy up the root mass. DO NOT extricate by pulling up on
the neck or stalk portion—this could break several necks.
Rather, scoop under the clump with your hands. An alternative
method, is digging a moat around the clump so you know how far
the tubers extend. Read more in Dec. 2003 , Dec. 2004 and Dec.
2005 DSC eNewsletters on how to handle the dig out without
breaking the tubers. See DSC Member do a digout. you pulled up
your clumps, you have two choices on what to do with your
clumps. 1. Process them immedia