help with my starter dahlias

[dahlia lover in colorado]

I started my dahlias indoors from tubers I bought from the local Dahlia Society.* I have them in a south facing window and on warm days I take them outside for a few hours.* They are doing great, except recently the ends of the older leaves have started to turn brown & dry up.* The new growth looks great, but I'm concerned I'm doing something wrong.* Is this a watering issue?* Am I under or over watering them?* Or maybe they don't like the outdoors yet?* Can anyone tell me what I might be doing wrong so I can save them before I ruin them.* I water them every 2 or 3 days when the soil feels dry, but I don't soak them.* Maybe I should be soaking them and only once a week or so?* HELP

[Newt]

Hi Dahlia lover in Colorado,

It does sound like you are overwatering them.* It's best to wait until the soil is mostly dry and then water deeply so the water runs through the drainage holes.* Don't leave water in the saucer for more then 15 minutes or so.* Here's some helpful info on growing dahlias.
http://www.dahlias.net/dahwebpg/Cult...ex/Culture.htm

Newt

[dahlia lover in colorado]

thanks newt - I'll back off and see what happens!

[Newt]

You are so very welcome.

Newt