"David Hill" wrote in message ...

On 23/09/2013 14:24, Bertie Doe wrote:
On part of the Allotment (500' and exposed to easterlies) I have a patch
5 x 6 of 30 dahlias. In the past, every November, I have lifted and
dried and stored them in the loft.

2 probs with this method - some of the tubers cover a large area and I
don't like splitting them. Leaving the tubers uncovered for the Winter
is out of the question. I've lost established fruit trees and a 5 year
old Wisteria, in recent Winters.

Main prob, my back isn't so good these days. I'm aware that porous
membranes are good. However, I have some black heavy tarp which covers
the area perfectly. Question : Would the lack of water penetration for
say, 3 months, be detrimental to the tubers?


I get the impression that you replant the whole clump of tubers each year.
It is best to divide them as you will get much better quality.
Are your 30 dahlias all different varieties?

Just 2 duplicates (comet) the rest are different. Q. If you had a clump with
say, 6 tubers, would each tuber produce a new plant?