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Hi, I've been growing dahlias for 6yrs and currently have 120 plants. This year's crop is spindly and small with very early blooms. The plants are not as leafy and full as previous years. I started them under lights as usual but earlier so they were bigger by planting time and they looked good, so I think they were off to a good start when they went into my garden bed. I suspect I did a bad thing last fall when I dug in pine bark chips in the bed. That was new for me. Do you think that could be causing the poor growth? #875719
Asked July 02, 2024, 6:12 PM EDT
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Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Richard,
Nitrogen gets tied up when organic material is added into the soil.
You may wish to consider getting a soil test to see if you in fact do have a nitrogen deficiency. Info on soil testing can be found here. The soil test will also advise you on what you can do.
I am also including links to Cornell and NC State dahlia resources as well.
Thank you so much for this helpful information – I will add nitrogen!
Rich
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Extension Foundation
Sent: Thursday, July 4, 2024 12:37 PM
To: Richard Schneider <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Hi, I've been growing dahlias for 6yrs and currently have 120 plants. This year's crop is spindly and small with very early blooms. The plants are not as leafy and full as previous years. I started them under lights as usual but earlier so they wer
You're welcome.
