Even on lifting there are two schools of thought; some say that a fork is best on light soils, and a spade on heavy, whereas others advocate using a spade whatever the soil.

A spade, if used carelessly, may cut through tubers which a fork would miss, but there is much less chance of breaking tubers as the whole weight will be supported on the blade. If a fork is used, some part of the tuber may resist lifting, as the finer roots have not been removed, and severe damage may be caused by the uneven pressure.

On balance I think a spade is best. Cuts should be made all round the tuber, about 6 to 8 in. away from the stem, gently lifting the tuber an inch or so each time the blade is inserted to loosen the hold of the fibrous roots. Finally the spade should be driven down and under the tuber, and the tuber firmly lifted from its bed, as you grasp the stump of the stem with the free hand to prevent sideways movement.

Of course if the weather is bad, wet or frosty, the tubers will have to be dried indoors, but the essential point is to avoid drying them too quickly. A garden shed or other light airy structure of a similar nature should be used if possible, again using wire grids for stacking. If no other accommodation is available, then the tubers will have to be dried indoors. The object is to dry out the stem, rather than the tubers. Overmuch heat will dry out the tubers, and leave the stem relatively wet; this can be dangerous, as black and brown rots so often start in a dried stem.

Any damaged tubers, or any with broken necks, should be trimmed back cleanly, or even removed completely, as the damaged area is so often the point of entry for disease. Before removing the tubers from the plot the label should be firmly wired to the stem or to a stout tuber.

At this stage the stumps of the old stems should be cut down almost to the crown; be very careful here as sonic -varieties have a very high crown, almost indistinguishable from the stem, except that the flesh, instead of being slightly yellow and fibrous, is white and comparatively free of fibre. Gently scrape the skin with the thumb nail to find this out. Any damaged or broken tubers should be trimmed back, and the fibrous roots cut away. Dust the cut surfaces with a mixture of equal parts of flowers of sulphur and hydrated lime to safeguard against bacterial or fungoid attack.