How to Harvest Potatoes: A StepbyStep Guide
How to Harvest Potatoes?
To harvest potatoes, the timing will depend on their intended use.
For new potatoes, they can be harvested about two to three weeks after the plants finish flowering.
Use a garden fork to dig around the edges of the plant and expose the potatoes.
Mature potatoes for storage should be harvested about two to three weeks after the foliage has died back, typically in August or September.
When harvesting, check for ripeness by rubbing the skins – fully ripe potatoes won’t have skins that rub off under thumb pressure.
Harvest mature potatoes by applying thumb pressure.
If harvested too early, consider them as “new” and consume them soon.
Wash and eat mature potatoes immediately or let them cure in a shaded location for a few weeks before storing.
Before storing, brush off any dry soil from the cured potatoes and keep them in a dark, cool place at 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to keep stored potatoes dry, so the refrigerator is not a suitable option.
Discard potatoes with damaged skins or eat them as soon as possible as they won’t keep for long.
Fully cured and ripened potatoes can last for several months.
Remember to avoid exposing potatoes to light during curing and storage to prevent them from turning green, as green potatoes and sprouts contain a toxic substance called solanine.
Never consume potato skins that are green in color or have green eyes and shoots.
Some potatoes can be kept as “seeds” for replanting.
To prepare seed potatoes, bring them to a warm, sunny area and cover them with moist burlap or paper towels three to four weeks before planting.
Cut large potatoes into 2-ounce segments with a sprout a few days before planting.
Allow a protective skin to form on the exposed flesh before planting.
Each potato segment will produce a hill of potatoes in a few months.
When harvesting, be cautious not to damage the potatoes, which can lead to rot and bacterial infections.
If accidental damage occurs, use the potato immediately.
When harvesting potatoes grown in bags, wait until the foliage has yellowed and is dying back.
Dump the bag onto a tarp and extract the potatoes by digging through the soil with your hands.
Key Points:
- Harvest potatoes based on their intended use and timing
- New potatoes can be harvested 2-3 weeks after flowering
- Use a garden fork to dig around the plant to expose potatoes
- Mature potatoes for storage should be harvested 2-3 weeks after foliage dies back
- Check for ripeness by rubbing the skins
- Store mature potatoes in a dark, cool place at 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit
Did You Know?
1. The average potato contains about 21% starch, making it an excellent source of carbohydrates for our bodies.
2. Did you know that potatoes are not just of the brown variety? There are actually over 4,000 different types of potatoes in the world, each with its own unique flavor and texture.
3. Contrary to popular belief, potatoes are not native to Ireland. They were actually introduced to Ireland in the late 16th century and quickly became a staple of the Irish diet due to their ability to grow well in the local soil and climate.
4. Potatoes are not only delicious, but they can also be used in various unexpected ways. For instance, raw potato slices can be used to soothe and reduce swelling caused by insect bites or sunburn.
5. If you think potato skin is just waste, think again! Potato skins have a high concentration of nutrients, including dietary fiber and antioxidants. So, the next time you’re preparing mashed potatoes, consider leaving the skin on for an extra nutritional boost.
Timing Of Potato Harvest
When harvesting potatoes, the timing is crucial and depends on their intended use. New potatoes, harvested while still young and tender, can be harvested two to three weeks after flowering.
Mature potatoes, meant for storage, should be harvested around two to three weeks after the foliage has died back, usually in August or September. Note that potatoes grown in containers may be ready for harvest earlier, but it is still important to wait for the foliage to die back before harvesting.
Harvesting New Potatoes
Harvesting new potatoes is an exciting and rewarding process. Once the plants have finished flowering, you can begin by gently digging around the edges of the plant using a garden fork. This will help expose the potatoes hidden beneath the soil. Be careful not to damage the tubers while digging. Additionally, make sure to dig deep enough to completely expose the potatoes.
- New potatoes are known for their tender skin and delicious flavor.
- It’s best to eat them soon after harvesting.
- If you accidentally harvest them too early, consider them as “new” potatoes and enjoy them as soon as possible.
Harvesting Potatoes For Storage
To harvest potatoes that are intended for long-term storage, patience is key. Wait until the foliage has withered and died back before digging up the mature potatoes. This typically occurs in August or September. By waiting until this stage, the potatoes will have reached their maximum size and developed a thick enough skin to ensure good storage quality.
When harvesting, it is important to use your thumb to apply gentle pressure to determine ripeness. Fully ripe potatoes will not have skins that easily rub off under thumb pressure. If the skin rubs off, it signifies that the potatoes are not fully mature and should be eaten soon as “new” potatoes.
- Wait until the foliage has withered and died back before digging up mature potatoes.
- Harvest in August or September for maximum size and good storage quality.
- Apply gentle pressure with your thumb to determine ripeness.
- Skins that easily rub off indicate potatoes not fully mature.
Harvesting Potatoes In Containers
Potatoes grown in containers have some unique considerations when it comes to harvesting. These plants typically mature faster compared to those grown in the ground. However, it is still essential to wait until the foliage has died back before harvesting.
Once the foliage has withered, carefully dump the container onto a tarp or a clean surface. Use your hands to gently dig through the soil and extract the potatoes. Be cautious during this process to avoid damaging the tubers. Harvesting potatoes from containers can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you witness the impressive yield that can be achieved in a limited space.
Checking Ripeness And Handling Harvested Potatoes
After harvesting the potatoes, it is essential to check for ripeness before storage or consumption. Gently rub the skins of the potatoes to assess their maturity. Fully ripe potatoes will have skins that do not easily rub off under thumb pressure. If the skin rubs off, consider them as “new” potatoes and consume them soon.
Wash and eat mature potatoes immediately after harvesting, as they are delicious when prepared fresh. However, if you plan to store them, it is recommended to let them sit out in a shaded location in a single layer for a couple of weeks. This allows the potatoes to fully cure, and the skins will become thicker, providing better protection during storage.
Before storing the potatoes, brush off any dry soil or debris. It is crucial to keep the potatoes dry, so avoid washing them before storing. Find a dark, cool place with temperatures ranging from 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to store your harvest. Remember that refrigerators are not a suitable option as they can introduce moisture, leading to rot and spoilage.
It is important to note that any potatoes with damaged skins should either be consumed immediately or prioritized for use, as they will not keep as long in storage. Additionally, avoid exposing potatoes to light during the curing and storage process to prevent them from turning green. Green potato tubers and sprouts contain solanine, a highly toxic substance that can cause various health issues if consumed in large quantities.
Harvesting Potatoes Grown In Bags
Potatoes grown in bags offer a convenient and space-saving option for home gardeners. To harvest potatoes from bags, wait until the foliage has significantly yellowed and is dying back. This indicates that the potatoes have reached maturity and are ready for harvest.
To begin, carefully dump the bag onto a tarp or a clean surface. Then, using your hands, gently dig through the soil to extract the potatoes. Take extra care not to damage the tubers during the harvesting process, as any injuries can lead to rot or bacterial infections.
Once harvested, the potatoes are now ready for consumption or storage following the aforementioned guidelines to ensure their longevity. Harvesting potatoes from bags not only provides a bountiful harvest but also adds versatility to your gardening options.
- Wait until foliage has yellowed and is dying back.
- Carefully dump the bag onto a tarp or clean surface.
- Gently dig through the soil to extract the potatoes.
- Take extra care not to damage the tubers during harvest.
In conclusion, harvesting potatoes requires attention to timing, careful handling, and ensuring proper ripeness before storage or consumption. By understanding the different stages of potato growth, you can optimize the harvest process and enjoy the rewards of your hard work in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you harvest and cure potatoes?
To harvest and cure potatoes, it is important to handle the tubers with care to prevent bruising, skinning, or cutting them. Any damaged potatoes should be used promptly. After harvesting, the potatoes need to be cured for optimal storage. This involves placing them in an environment with a temperature range of 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and high relative humidity of 85 to 95 percent for two weeks. This curing process allows the potatoes to develop a thicker skin and heal any minor injuries, ensuring better quality and longer shelf life.
How long do potatoes take to grow?
The growing time for potatoes varies depending on the variety. Early-season potato varieties typically take 60-80 days to grow and are ready for harvest. Mid-season varieties require 80-100 days to mature, while late-season potatoes take the longest, requiring 100-130 days before they are ready to be harvested. These variations in growing time allow for a continuous supply of fresh potatoes throughout the growing season, offering different flavors and textures depending on the chosen variety.
How to determine when potatoes are ready for harvest?
There are several effective methods to determine when potatoes are ready for harvest. One method is to check the foliage of the plant. When the plants start to die back and turn yellow, it is usually a sign that the potatoes are ready. Additionally, gently dig into the soil around the plant to feel the size of the tubers. If they are large enough and have developed a thick enough skin, they are likely ready for harvesting.
Another method is to perform a taste test by carefully digging up one or two plants to check the size and taste of the potatoes. If they have reached the desired size and have a firm texture, they are probably ready for harvesting. It is important to harvest potatoes before the first frost, as freezing temperatures can damage the tubers.
How to properly handle and store harvested potatoes to prolong their shelf life?
To properly handle and store harvested potatoes and prolong their shelf life, follow these tips. Firstly, handle them with care to avoid bruising or damaging the potatoes as this can speed up decay. Sort through the harvested potatoes and remove any damaged or diseased ones to prevent the spread of decay. Secondly, store the potatoes in a cool and dark place, ideally at temperatures between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius). Ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to rotting. Additionally, storing potatoes away from other fruits and vegetables can prevent them from releasing ethylene gas that accelerates spoilage. Lastly, avoid washing the potatoes before storage as moisture can cause them to spoil faster. Instead, remove excess dirt and let them dry before storing them in well-ventilated containers or burlap sacks.
