10/19/2026
A few tips I always give others when dividing “tough” tubers for the first time. You know, the ones you have a hard time cutting through with your normal shears. Some clumps you can slice through like butter, others are like bamboo!
If you cut the top of the stalk off right above the tuber clump, you’ll see the soft center circle. Use your shears to create a hole in that softer tissue, then use that hole as an anchor point for your larger pruning shears. This gives you a secure starting point and helps prevent slipping and accidentally cutting yourself.
When inserting your snips into tissue, don’t stab forcefully, wiggle them into place like in the video.
𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸:
𝗤: Why wouldn’t you slice off right above the eyes and leave the stalk alone?
𝗔: I like to leave some meat behind the eyes, if possible, in case they lose moisture during storage. Cutting from the stalk allows me to leave some of it attached for storage.
𝗤: Why don’t you just use a power tool like I’ve seen others do?
𝗔: I have a sanitizing system that works well for me, and using the snips I have takes less time than sanitizing another tool.
𝗤: Why don’t you use those special gloves that are cut resistant?
𝗔: I’m not as accurate with those on and for me, it’s more dangerous than using thin gloves and being careful and strategic.
𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁!
✂️ Use good, sharp snips! Dull, cheap shears are dangerous. Protect those fingers! I use these: https://hidatool.com/item/1659
✂️ Sanitize between clumps! This helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. I use Virkon S. Make sure you allow for a 10-minute soak time to adequately disinfect your tools.
✂️ Cut fast! Not when deciding WHERE to cut, but once you’ve decided on your cut line, make a quick, decisive cut. There are fibers in the stalk that can break off and accidentally remove the eye you’re trying to keep attached to your tuber. Find your line, then make your cut.
