10/22/2026
Breaking down the dahlia garden 🌿 Here’s how I tackle the end-of-season cleanup when you grow dahlias on this scale!
I break everything down into sections, starting with the first set of rows and working my way through the garden.
✂️ 1. Remove the support system
Cut all the string and pull the posts before moving on to cutting down the plants.
2. Sanitize my tools
I mix Virkon at 8 tablets per gallon of water. The solution stays stable for 7 days, and I rotate between multiple pairs of hedge clippers so I’m not waiting around for tools to sanitize.
3. Double-check variety labels
Before chopping anything down, I make sure every variety is labeled correctly. With so many different dahlias growing in the garden, this step is especially important!
4. Cut down the rows
I use regular large hedge clippers for most of the cutting, but I will use a gas-powered hedge trimmer for varieties that I have 15 or more. I sanitize between every variety to help prevent spreading disease throughout the garden.
5. Clean up and reset
Once the rows are cut down, I clean up the debris to compost, mow the paths, and get everything ready for digging tubers.
It’s a big job, but breaking it down into sections makes the whole process much more manageable!
