12/10/2026
Dahlia Diaries Episode 14: the new flower field and preparing the soil.
We’re moving the main dahlia growing patch to a corner of the old vineyard, which is very exciting because I’m no longer competing with dozens of trees, their shade and their roots.
Now that the area is marked out, the focus shifts to the soil. Good soil is the foundation for healthy plants, and it’s much easier to get right before anything goes in the ground than to fix later. Here’s what I’ve used:
Soil test: for home gardeners a balanced slow release fertiliser will do fine, but at a larger scale it pays to know what nutrient balance you’re working with. I recommend contacting Nicky who has created a fantastic soil test and analysis service as well as in person workshops.
Compost: with our free draining silty loam I don’t actually need compost, and I didn’t use any in our first year at this property. I use it for the dahlias because it makes them easier to dig up at the end of the season, since I’m digging and selling tubers. Trucked in from .
Sea wool pellets to add more organic matter and help with moisture retention Sustaina Grow .
Blood and bone .
Irrigation .
Waratahs & weedmat from local farm stores.
When is it time to plant? traditionally it’s Labour Weekend, and we can go earlier here in Gisborne. Colder areas often wait until November. I wait until the soil averages about 15 degrees and the last frost has passed.
The field’s nearly ready, so we’ll talk planting on the next episode. Pop your burning planting questions below.
