START OFF DAHLIAS

IF YOU want to grow dahlias from cuttings for summer, start now. Plant each root clump in a large pot or a deep tray. Stand the planted containers under greenhouse staging or somewhere warm, frost-free and bright — keeping the compost damp. Basal shoots will begin to appear over the coming weeks. When they do, remove them and set the cuttings in a 50/50 mix of fresh compost and Perlite.