Got dahlias in your garden?
August is a crucial month for them.
Avoid common mistakes to keep them thriving. Learn tips and tricks to care for your dahlias.
Let’s make your garden bloom!
Overwatering Your Dahlias
Sure, dahlias love water, but too much can be a bad thing! In August, the heat might trick you into thinking they need more than they do.
Overwatering leads to soggy soil and root rot – yikes! Stick to watering them deeply about 2-3 times a week.
Make sure the soil gets a chance to dry out in between watering sessions. You want moist, not drenched, soil.
Adjust based on the weather, and you’ve got it covered!
Skipping the Deadheading
Deadheading might sound like a chore, but trust me, it’s worth it. Removing the spent blooms keeps your dahlias looking fresh and encourages more blossoms.
Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the faded flowers just above the first set of healthy leaves. Do this regularly, and your plants will shower you with more vibrant blooms all season long.
Happy snipping!
Ignoring Pests and Diseases
August is prime time for pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
If you spot anything unusual, act fast! A gentle spray of water can knock off aphids.
Neem oil works wonders on spider mites, and baking soda solutions can help with mildew. Regularly check your plants and remove any damaged or diseased leaves to keep the problems at bay.
Your vigilance will pay off!
Neglecting to Stake Your Dahlias
The taller your dahlias get, the more support they need. Neglecting to stake them can lead to broken stems, especially with those late-summer storms.
Use bamboo stakes or even sturdy sticks. Tie the stems gently with garden twine or soft plant ties.
Staking keeps your dahlias upright and looking their best, plus you’ll avoid any sudden heartbreak from broken flowers. Keep those beauties standing tall!
Fertilizing Too Late
Fertilizing dahlias in August is a bit of a no-go. By now, they should have all the nutrients they need.
Adding more fertilizer can actually harm them. Focus on giving them steady water and keeping the soil mulched.
This keeps the roots cool and retains moisture. If you’ve been diligent about feeding them earlier in the season, they have all they need to keep flourishing!