Dahlia Tuber Harvesting at the Agri-Nature Center.

November 12, 2025
Sue Isley

Master Gardener Bill Shen demonstrating how to using opposing garden forks in order to safely dig up dahlia tubers.

Dahlia Harvesting

On November 12, 2025, ten members of the NM Dahlia Society joined Master Gardener Bill Shen at the Agri-Nature Center to dig up and process the dahlia tubers that were planted last Spring and Summer. The event was scheduled to take place from 10:00am – 2:00pm, but in actuality, the task was not completed until after 4:00pm.

A good number of members showed up at 10:00am, fueled by bagels and coffee supplied by Treasurer Jo Ann Miller. Many brought gardening tools that would be required for the dig, and later the processing of the tubers. Those present included: Master Gardener Bill Shen, NMDS President Edith Iwan, Treasurer Jo Ann Miller, Aaron Greenwood, Sue Isley, Gil Quintana, Maureen Carson, David Wimsatt, new member Gabriella (“Gabby”) Gomet, and Miriam Anderson (who joined the fun during the afternoon).

Aaron Greenwood cutting down the long dahlia stalks to an optimal size before digging the dahlias out of the ground.

First Steps

The first step in processing the dahlia tubers involved cutting the long stalks down to about 4-6 inches above the soil line. Next, Bill Shen initiated the actual digging proceedings by demonstrating how to use pitch forks on either side of the dahlia plants to carefully lift them from the soil. Once the tubers were extracted from the soil, they were sprayed with a garden hose to remove as much excess soil as possible. After they were cleaned, other members began removing roots and other extraneous growths while Edith set up stations to divide and tuber “clumps” with into smaller clusters or into individual tubers. This provided a real learning experience for those members who were either inexperienced or simply hesitant about how to divide dahlia tubers. Everyone was careful to keep identification tags on or with the plants and to place the tubers in properly marked bags after they were processed.

Maureen Carson dividing tubers.

Finshing The Raised Beds

While some members remained at the area where the raised beds were located, several others ventured out into the area known as the “community gardens,” where two row of dahlias awaited harvesting. Bill Shen, Gil Quintana, and Aaron Greenwood commenced with digging up the tubers in this area. Another cleaning station was set up, with David Wimsett managing the washing/cleaning process, and others such as Edith Iwan and Edith Iwan continuing with breaking down and separating the delicate dahlia tubers. We were joined in our efforts by some of the local wildlife, including a roadrunner, a couple of Sandhill Cranes, and some Canada Geese.

David Wimsatt washing tubers in the Community Garden area.

The Community Garden

While some members remained at the area where the raised beds were located, several others ventured out into the area known as the “community gardens,” where two row of dahlias awaited harvesting. Bill Shen, Gil Quintana, and Aaron Greenwood commenced with digging up the tubers in this area. Another cleaning station was set up, with David Wimsett managing the washing/cleaning process, and others such as Edith Iwan and Edith Iwan continuing with breaking down and separating the delicate dahlia tubers. We were joined in our efforts by some of the local wildlife, including a roadrunner, a couple of Sandhill Cranes, and some Canada Geese.

Miriam Anderson during lunch break in the Argi-Nature Center courtyard.

Lunch And The Lavender Fields

A much needed and well-deserved break for lunch, provided by Edith, was enjoyed by all. After lunch, Bill Shen had to leave, taking about half of the bagged tubers back to his home for Winter storage. Several other members had afternoon commitments, and they also departed. At this point, Miriam Anderson joined the party as a most welcome addition to the crew.

After lunch, the remainder of the harvesting crew made their way out to an area known as the “lavender fields,” and here, one long row of tubers remained to be harvested. The identification tags on some of the plants either were lost or were unreadable, so these tubers were given to those volunteers who wanted them because they cannot be sold if they cannot be identified. Most of the tubers will be offered for sale at our annual tuber sale next April. Finally, by around 4:00pm, all of the work was completed and very tired but satisfied crew members headed home.

Gabriella Gomet dividing dahlias at the raised beds area.

Photo Credits:

Sue Isley all but where noted.
Aaron Greenwood Roadrunner image.