The attachment we use on our tractor is called a V-Plow. We have problems with both of our tractors. One is a Ford 8N and the other is a Ford 9N. What one tractor doesn't do, the other one might -- depending on how soon we need it done -- then neither one will. I could go on and on about those tractors. Oh, and, please don't mention the paint color on the tractor. We know it is reversed. Long story. Nobody wants to hear about it. Here's a better view of the attachment: The trenches are about 12" deep which is technically deeper than necessary; however, we plant two to three weeks earlier than our last frost date. This depth also helps support the plant when it grows. The trenches are also 12" wide. They may look wider, however, what you are seeing is the soil pushed to both sides of the furrow. The tubers are planted 8" apart with the eyes all facing the same way. This ensures that the plants don't shoot out into the aisle way, and they are always equal distance apart. We have only one row per trench for cultivating purposes. We also run our drip irrigation down each row. When digging the trenches, you can see from this photo the back tires on the tractor are right on the edge of the pile of soil from the previous furrow. This is as close as we can get them. From Michigan where it is supposed to be 61 degrees tomorrow!

I got interested in growing dahlias in pots a couple of years ago when we stopped to eat at a restaurant with the most gorgeous flowers. Some of them were as tall as the gutters on the roof. Then I realized they were ALL grown in pots, and that blew my mind (and all were dahlias!). I started with 4 plants last year but wasn't brave enough to grow them completely in pots. This year I plan to do most of them in pots because I've upped the number to 25 and don't have the space to plant them all in ground. I also think from what I've read over at www.cubits.org/dahlias that they do just as well in pots. It certainly would be a lot easier to dig them up in the fall after that first killing frost. If it was an especially early frost, you might be able to move favorites to a sheltered location and get a few more weeks of flowers. The idea of dividing them in my potting area is much more attractive than the thought of digging them out of cold wet soil, as I did last fall. And I like vikingcraftsman's idea of using them as a screen!

The more sun the better. If the baby tubers are growing off the collar of tissue surrounding the stalk/s and show some evidence of eyes, I'd save them. Save them even if you can't see the eyes, they may surprise you next spring. Little tubers that form off another tuber will not have eyes and won't produce a plant next year. The plant not flowering could be due to poor growing conditions, lack of sun, poor plant stock, late-blooming variety and other probably a host of other reasons. If it grew reasonably well and had decent foliage, I like to give them another chance. If they don't do well, I don't save them. I wonder if you 'topped' your plant early on to help it bush out? That helps avoid spindly growth and get more flowers. Here is a link that might be useful: Topping Dahlias from Dahlias.net

CC, I wrote that article for Growing for Market! We extend the growing period for Dahlias in unheated high tunnels. Extra lighting is essential at the beginning of the season. There are some growers who leave the tubers in the ground during the winter months in their high tunnel by mulching heavily. This is done in the center bed only as it is too cold near the outside walls. Dinner plate size Dahlias are best grown under cover for height and bloom size. Dahlias are heavy feeders, and it's important to remember to fertilize them more often when grown under cover. We use a compost tea nutrient mix. Regarding placement of tuber orders, now is the time to place your order with Tall Grass Farms. I highly recommend them as a supplier. We have ordered some beauties for cut flower production. As growers, we try to place orders when tubers are being harvested. Because we are eternal optimists, we are always thinking ahead to the next growing season. The Insider's Guide to Cut Flower Dahlias by Lane Greer is a nice book to have on hand.