Monday this 'n' that

[ksmith]

I took the day off to do the next to last round of yardwork (not counting leaves) for the year because I had heard it would be sunny and near 70F. Well, they got the sunny part right. Temp-wise, it's more in the 50s, and windy. This morning, I mowed the lawn in long pants, a fleece shirt, and a windbreaker.

It's better now. Got to take off the windbreaker.

Along with the lawn mowing, I emptied the compost bin about halfway and folded the mess into the raised beds. I then moved the bin to a place that gets more sun. Contemplating whether it would be possible for me to double the size of the raised bed garden next spring. The room is there, but the sunshine isn't for the latter part of the summer due to trees and angle of the sun. I'll see.

Glad this stuff is done. Time to clean up and put stuff away.

In other news, I have some dahlias that died off in the frost. However, when I tried to pull them up, I found a bulbous root system. I guess if I bring in the planter before the ground freezes, they may come back next year. That would be nice.

Comments

[cailleuch.livejournal.com]

Just keep them cool and dry. You just don't want them to completely dry out and then replant outside next year. You want temps of around 40 degrees F. I used to put them in an old peach basket packed with peat moss. If they start to really shrivel sprinkle with H2O.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Couldn't I just bring the pot inside, and leave the bulbs in the dirt?

[cailleuch.livejournal.com]

Probably you could, just have never done it that way. I think part of the "remove dirt" instruction is so that you can observe the tubers to make sure they don't dry out or rot.

I learned the way I mentioned because my dad was a dahlia and gradiola nut. I assisted in this activity every fall for many, many years. So take what I say understanding that. The things are basically perennial weeds in their native Mexico so probably leaving in the pot in a cool place would work.

Me, I just plant new every spring but mine aren't in a pot.

[devonellington.wordpress.com (from livejournal.com)]

Doesn't it feel great to get it all done? Hope you had a chance to soak in Epsom salts after.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I had to pop some ibuprofen, but overall it wasn't too bad. The big job is still to come, though. The leaves haven't fallen yet.