Hello,
I completed soil testing for my dahlia beds this year and the recommendation was to add nothing to it - no organic material, no peat, no fer...
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Soil for in ground dahlia beds #929943
Asked April 28, 2026, 5:17 PM EDT
Hello,
I completed soil testing for my dahlia beds this year and the recommendation was to add nothing to it - no organic material, no peat, no fertilizer or manure, etc. as my soil is comprehensively quite good, but I need to work on lowering the PH in the coming years.
That said, I am in need of soil to add depth and fill in some holes that I have. It has proven very difficult to find just dirt…plain old dirt that doesn't have a lot added to it.
What would you recommend getting to fill my garden to have the least amount of impact on changing the components of my soil? Bagged? Bulk? I’m not sure quite how much I’ll need yet so that may hinder your response.
Not because you need it, but for contextual purposes if you’d like to review it, I’ve attached my soil testing results.
I exclusively grow dahlias so any recommendations, tips or help you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!!
Jenn
Hennepin CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
I am familiar with the soil testing reports from the U so your figures don't really make sense to be. That said, if you say they don't recommend anything, I will have to agree. Have you considered simply tilling the soil and then spreading it evenly over your garden area. That way you will not be introducing soil with a different composition. Anything you add will change your soil. It will have to be thoroughly mixed with native soil, not just added on top. If you decide to do that I would not recommend bulk but a few bags of garden coil and some good quality compost. But that is not my first recommendation.