- 1). Locate an area that has full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Put on gloves and pull up all weeds and grass growing in the planting location. Also remove any large stones or rocks from the area.
- 2). Set the blade depth on a garden tiller to between 8 and 10 inches. Place the tiller at the edge of the planting area and loosen the soil.
- 3). Spread a 2 to 3-inch thick layer of manure or compost on top of the planting area.
- 4). Sprinkle a 5-10-15, slow-release, granular fertilizer on top of the soil at a rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet of space.
- 5). Run the garden tiller back over the soil again to work the fertilizer, manure or compost into the soil.
- 6). Dig a hole, using a hand spade, that is the same width and depth as the roots of the dahlia plant. Insert the plant into the hole, making sure that it sits at the same level it was at in the pot. Fill in the hole with soil and press it down with your hands. Plant additional dahlia plants at a distance of 2 to 3 feet apart.
- 7). Water the soil around the dahlias until it is completely moist.
- 8). Wait until the leaves and blooms of the dahlias are completely dry and spray them thoroughly with a combination of insecticide and miticide solution to protect against fungus and pests.