Last year I had 2 geraniums, couple of gazanias and most dahlias survive
left in ground, however the Dahlias suffered slug attack which took out the
growing tips, so if you do mulch as I did with sawdust and topped off with
compost, take care you do not give a comfy home to slugs and snails just as
tips are regrowing.
If I recall correctly we only had one or two nights last year where the temp
dipped to -6 degrees centigrade/celsius this being in West Midlands just 2
miles from a city centre.

regards
Cineman
52 degrees north ( I think)

"Uncle-C" wrote in message
ups.com...
Now that we have had 2-3 days of frost in the S.East of England I want
to ask if there is a chance my dahlia tubers will survive if I do not
lift them for overwintering.. Most of the foliage started to whither
after the cold temps so I've chopped the plant down to about 2-3 inches
above ground level. I would like to leave the tubers underground but
fear the wet weather / frost will do permanent damage. What would be
the best form of outdoor protection for the tubers ? Roughly what
chances do they have of survival ? Would covering the tuber area with
grass cuttings / peat / compost offer some sort of protection from the
frost ? Any past experiences from "urglers" would be most helpful. I
have to get on the case fairly rapidly as there is widespread hardfrost
forecast for the next few days. Thanks.

Uncle-C