Putting the dahlias to bed for the winter. Part II

It seems like

just yesterday that the first dahlia of the season presented the first bloom.  This was only my second year of growing these gorgeous tubers and I can't wait for season 3!  After digging up and washing off the tubers as shown in Part I, it's time to hang them in your basement.  I've used yarn and they've been hanging up for about a week and a half.  I like to leave a longer part of the stem so they're easier to tie.

The basement is on the cooler side but warm enough to store the dahlias.

If you want to divide your larger tubers, the time to do that is before you hang them up.  I cut mine in half, making sure each half had at least one "eye"; similar to that on a potato.  If you'd rather divide them in the spring, it will be harder to cut through them but the "eyes" will be easier to see.

There are many vehicles that gardeners choose to use for tucking their dahlias in for the winter season.  The tote that I used last year seemed to work just fine.

My bag of peat moss is ready.

Put a layer of peat moss in the bottom of the tote.  Lay the tubers down, keeping them from touching each other.

Lightly spritz each layer of peat moss with water.

Keep layering the tubers and the peat; ending with a layer of peat.  Lightly spritz.

Cover the tote and set aside in the basement until spring!   After the threat of frost is over, it's time to put them into the ground.

Voila, in 7 to 9 months time your dahlias will be blooming once more!

I can't wait until Spring.  But for now I'll enjoy the end of Fall and the fast approaching Winter.  Sweet dreams lovely dahlias.