Dear Master Gardener : I want to try to save my dahlia tubers this winter. What do I do?

Answer : Overwintering dahlia tubers is a great way to enjoy your favorites year after year for free! The process starts with a hard frost that kills the leaves and drives the plant’s energy down to the roots. The frozen plants can stay in place for several days, but must be dug up before the soil freezes. Gently push a garden fork or spade into the soil a foot or so away from the main stem. Carefully raise the entire clump (don’t pull by the stem). Be patient - tubers that break off the stem won’t be viable.

Now you have choices: some people just toss the whole clump into a brown paper bag. Most gardeners clean off the clump and separate the tubers from the stem, making sure at least one “eye” can

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