Start with the dahlias

Buy dahlia tubers in late winter and pot them up in a frost-free place indoors from March onwards. The young shoots make excellent basal cuttings and by May you’ll have well-established plants ready to go out into the garden after all risk of frost. Be sure to acclimatise them gradually to outdoor conditions and beware of damage from slugs. Pinch back shoots to encourage plants to bush out and stake after planting, using a strong bamboo cane and twine.