Depending on the state of the soil and of course the weather, old farm manure
can be added at the same time as digging in the green crop. Water after digging
in the material if the soil is at all dry to commence the decaying action of
the green material.
Continue checking your tubers and start working out your garden plan. If
necessary dig up any new beds required. Check your stakes are still in good
condition, and replace and treat any that require attention.
Get your orders in for any new stock required, and keep an eye out for the
Tuber Sales which will be advertised for September or October.
Late in August, as soon as any danger of frost has passed, you can start
your Dahlia seeds into growth. The seeds are quick to germinate, and growth can
be rapid.Prick the seedlings out when they are large enough to handle easily,
and grow them on until big enough to transplant to bigger pots. When the plants
have grown sufficiently, move the pots outside to a cold frame to harden off for
about two weeks prior to planting.
Don't be in too much of a rush to plant them
out, but if the soil has warmed up considerably, go ahead. Give them some
protection on cool nights until they have become settled in, and scatter some
slug and snail bail around them to protect from these pests.
