Soil and Bed Preparation for Growing Dahlias


Page 11

5. Dahlias prefer soil that has a pH of 6.50 continued...

Some humus materials will also lower the pH of soil.

Sphagnum Peat Moss

Sphagnum peat moss can be purchased by the cubic foot. The current price in Denver, Colorado is $8.50 for a 3.8 cubic foot--compressed.

  • Pine bark is also acidic and if prepared properly and mixed into the soil will also lower the pH of the soil. To decompose in a reasonable time frame, it must be shredded to a very small size. It is typically referred to as "pine bark soil conditioner." The current price in Longmont, Colorado is $4.25 for 2 cubic foot.

Chipped Pine Bark

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Pine Bark Soil Conditioner
Partially Composted


Note: By now the reader should have observed that sphagnum peat moss modifies soil in three ways:

Continued on next page.


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