How And When To Dig Up Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in many different climates and soil types. They are a staple food in many cultures and can be cooked in a variety of ways, from mashed and boiled to roasted and baked. Growing your own potatoes can be a rewarding experience, but knowing when and how to dig them up is critical to ensuring a successful harvest. In this blog post, we will discuss how and when to dig up potatoes in detail, including tips and best practices to help you get the most out of your harvest.

When to Dig Up Potatoes

Knowing when to dig up your potatoes is crucial to getting the best possible harvest. Potatoes are typically ready to be harvested when the foliage above ground has died back and turned brown. This usually occurs around 2-3 weeks after the plants have flowered. However, if you are growing potatoes for storage, it is best to wait until the foliage has completely died back and turned black before harvesting. This will ensure that the potatoes have reached their full maturity and will keep well in storage.

In addition to checking the foliage, you can also check the potatoes themselves to see if they are ready to be harvested. Gently dig around the base of one of the plants and check the size and maturity of the potatoes. If the potatoes are the size you want and have reached maturity, then it's time to harvest the rest of the crop.

It's important to remember that potatoes are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, so if you live in a colder climate, it's best to harvest them before the first frost. In general, potatoes should be harvested before the soil temperature drops below 40°F (4.5°C).

How to Dig Up Potatoes

Digging up potatoes is a relatively simple process, but it does require a bit of care to avoid damaging the potatoes. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Loosen the Soil

Use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant. Be careful not to pierce the potatoes as you work. It's best to work in a circular motion around the plant to avoid damaging the roots.

Step 2: Lift the Plant

Once the soil is loosened, gently pull the plant out of the ground by the stems. If the stems are firmly attached to the potatoes, use a garden fork or spade to lift the plant out of the ground. Be careful not to puncture or cut the potatoes as you work.

Step 3: Shake Off Excess Soil

Shake off any excess soil from the potatoes, being careful not to bruise or damage them. You can do this by hand or by gently tapping the potatoes against a hard surface.

Step 4: Dry the Potatoes

Leave the potatoes out in the sun for a few hours to dry off any remaining soil. This will help prevent them from rotting during storage.

Step 5: Store the Potatoes

Store the potatoes in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Do not wash them until you are ready to use them, as this can cause them to rot more quickly. Ideally, the storage area should be between 45-50°F (7-10°C) with a relative humidity of 90%.

Tips for Digging Up Potatoes

• Dig up your potatoes on a dry day to avoid damaging them.

• Be gentle when handling the potatoes to avoid bruising or cutting them.

• Do not wash the potatoes until you are ready to use them, as this can cause them to rot more quickly.

• Use a sharp garden fork or spade to loosen the soil, as this will make the process easier and reduce the risk of damaging the potatoes.

• If you are growing potatoes for storage, it's best to wait until the foliage has completely died back and turned black before harvesting.

• Avoid leaving potatoes in the ground for too long, as they can start to sprout and become less flavorful.

• Don't worry if some of your potatoes are misshapen or have a few blemishes. These can still be eaten and are perfectly fine to store.

Conclusion

Digging up potatoes can be a satisfying and rewarding experience, but it's important to know when and how to do it properly. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that you get the best possible harvest of healthy and delicious potatoes. Remember to be gentle when handling the potatoes and store them in a cool, dry place to help them last longer. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy your homegrown potatoes all year round.