1. Wait until the first frost: Before you start overwintering your dahlias, you should wait until the first frost has hit your area. This is usually around late fall or early winter.

2. Cut back the foliage: Once the first frost has occurred, cut back the foliage of your dahlias to about 6 inches above the ground. Remove any dead or damaged leaves.

3. Dig up the tubers: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the tubers of your dahlias. Dig around the plant in a circle, keeping a good distance from the stems to avoid damaging the tubers.

4. Shake off excess soil: Gently shake off any excess soil from the tubers, but be careful not to damage them. You can also rinse them with water to remove any remaining dirt.

5. Divide the tubers (optional): If your dahlia plant has grown large and produced multiple tubers, you can divide them at this point. Each tuber should have at least one “eye” or bud.

6. Let the tubers dry: Place the tubers in a cool, dry location and allow them to air dry for a few days. This will help prevent rotting during storage.

7. Wrap the tubers in newspaper: Once the tubers are dry, wrap each one individually in newspaper. This will help protect them from moisture and temperature fluctuations.

8. Store in a cool, dark place: Find a cool, dark place to store your wrapped tubers. A basement, cellar, or garage are good options. The temperature should be around 40-50°F (4-10°C).

9. Check periodically: Throughout the winter months, check on your tubers occasionally to make sure they haven’t started rotting or drying out. Discard any tubers that show signs of damage.

10. Mist occasionally: If the tubers seem to be drying out, you can mist them lightly with water to prevent them from drying out completely.

11. Prepare for spring: As spring approaches and the danger of frost has passed, start preparing your dahlias for planting. Begin by removing the newspaper wrapping from the tubers.

12. Inspect the tubers: Inspect each tuber carefully, removing any soft or rotting portions. Healthy tubers should feel firm and look plump.

13. Plant the tubers: Choose a sunny spot in your garden and plant the tubers about 6 inches deep, with the “eyes” or buds facing up. Space them about 1-2 feet apart.

14. Provide support: As your dahlias start to grow, provide support such as stakes or cages to prevent the plants from toppling over in strong winds.

By following these 14 steps, you can successfully overwinter your dahlias and enjoy their blooms for years to come.