We plant dahlias in a double row, 12” apart in both directions. We used to use four t-posts and baling twine to make a box around our dahlias. We’d put two t-posts every 20 or 25 feet down our 200 foot rows and then we’d use baling twine starting at 12 inches off the ground to make a box around four t-posts, repeating all the way down the row.
During 2020 we needed lots of t-posts fast since we were rapidly expanding our dahlia plantings, but they were hard to get in the PNW due to supply chain difficulties. We brainstormed this solution that uses half the t-posts, and now it’s our preferred way to stake our plants.
Here’s how we “corral” our dahlia rows with baling twine and fewer t-posts to give them the support they need for the growing season.
Soon after planting, we pound a single t-post every 20 to 25-ft down the row. When dahlias are about 12” high we make a “belt” of twine and corral the dahlias with it. As they grow, we add layers of twine as needed. This works just as well even though it uses half the amount of t-posts! We like to use a biodegradable baling twine that deteriorates in the sun, but any type of baling twine would do.
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How do they hold up with a severe storm? Late summer we get storms that can gust at 70mph winds. I try to stake them all but it’s not easy nor looks nice. I worry if I corral them they would still fall over in strong wind.
Our dahlias are in a 5 acre open field, and we’re at the south end of the Fraser River Valley, so it is quite windy here too. The corrals have worked fine for us in strong winds. The 12 inch spacing we use means our dahlias help support each other within the rows and we add twine every 12 inches as they grow. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing! It’s crunch time on what to do and I couldn’t make up my
Mind. Considering you get more frequent wind than I do and they hold up well I’m going to try it this season! Thank you
I’m glad that was helpful. I hope it works as well for you as it has for us!
I don’t have my dahlias in a field, I have used them in patches of landscaping. So last year I used sisal twine (also biodegradable in 1 season) It worked fairly well. So this year (after some research) I am using knotable poly twine & creating horizontal netting in 2 stacks along with u-posts (they are cheaper than T-posts) I also have an arbor & lattice fence to tie the supports to. We also have strong winds & deer to contend with. I think this is my best solution for my situation. I think this is a solution for my tall delphiniums.
That sounds like a great solution!