How to Harvest Potatoes: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Growing potatoes can be a rewarding experience, but knowing when and how to harvest them is crucial to ensure a bountiful harvest. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to harvest your potatoes successfully.
Potato Varieties and Maturity
Potatoes come in various varieties, each with its own maturity period. Early season potatoes are ready to harvest in 60-80 days, mid-season potatoes in 80-100 days, and late season potatoes in 100-130 days after planting.
Signs of Potato Maturity
There are several indicators that your potatoes are ready to harvest:
- Plant vigor: When potatoes approach maturity, the plants will start to yellow and wilt.
- Skin rub test: Dig up a potato and gently rub your thumb on it. If the skin is thin and easily rubs off, it’s a new potato that can be eaten but won’t store well.
Harvesting Potatoes
Traditional Method:
- Use a garden fork or spade to carefully lift the soil around the plant, starting from the outside edge.
- Avoid damaging the tubers, as this can lead to rot.
- If you accidentally fork a potato, use it immediately.
Bag Method:
- Wait until the foliage has died back.
- Dump the entire bag onto a tarp and dig through the soil to extract the potatoes.
- Expect to harvest about 7 pounds (3 kg) of potatoes from a single bag.
Preventing Bruising
- Handle the tubers gently to avoid bruising, which shortens shelf life.
- Use a soft brush to remove excess soil instead of washing the potatoes.
Curing Potatoes
Before storing potatoes, it’s important to cure them. This involves placing them in an area with a temperature of 45-60°F (7-16°C) and a relative humidity of 85-95% for two weeks. Curing promotes skin thickening and heals minor cuts and bruises.
Storing Potatoes
- Store potatoes in a dark area with a temperature of 38-40°F (3-4°C) and a relative humidity of 90-95%.
- Avoid storing potatoes with apples or other fruit that produce ethylene gas, which promotes sprouting.
Green Potatoes
Sunlight can cause potato tubers to turn green and produce a toxic compound. If you notice green areas on your potatoes, pare them out with a knife and safely eat the remaining tuber.
Conclusion
Harvesting potatoes is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and proper handling. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a successful harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
