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Dahlias looking ill


out of potting compost with JI2 and put them in Westland multi purpose compost with JI. I've also had an automatic watering system running that I've now switched off. The removed compost was absolutely saturated. Have I done the right thing.
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I like to check pots by using a finger to see if compost is wet or not.
I think you may have to take a couple of those tangerine ones out though. There's not really enough room for 4 plants - especially greedy ones like dahlias.
They'll have been forced undercover a bit too, if they were already in flower when you bought them. They'll be a little weaker than plants bought at tuber stage to grow on, and may have needed a bit more warmth for a bit longer before going out.
They may have suffered a little bit due to that, and especially if the soil was very soggy. They do need moisture and food, but they also need really good drainage. As they're in good amounts of sun, they should do a bit better now. Did you mix some grit in with the soil mix? That would ensure they won't get too waterlogged if they do get a bit too much water.
The slugs are one of the biggest problems at this stage too - as you're discovering
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Too many plants in too small a space. Dahlias need lots of food and water and space to grow.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
It's one of those things though - it depends on the compost, and how much water they get. In a wetter area, it's useful. Less so in a drier one where you're having to water manually anyway, and can judge it more easily. Plants in pots will always need more attention than ones in the ground
Making sure the drainage holes at the bottom stay clear, is also important.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...