Although potatoes are comparatively easy to produce , how to harvest is equally important . Make certain you harvest at the right time and in a way that minimizes damage or the potential for disease . Another part of the harvest process is curing the white potato right before reposition . Once harvest , be sure you store them right .
Potato-Growing Basics
Potatoesgrowbest in a rich , loose , crumbly grease that is on the acidulous side . However , acid soil often do n’t loose nutrients as well , so a good fertilizer program is important . Keep weeds down to foreclose competition for water supply and nutrient . Water well during the growing period so the soil stays slightly moist at all times . Do n’t over - water , however , as it encourage fungal diseases .
Climate and Harvest
Potatoes can be grow in any USDA Zone as long as you time planting and harvest the right way . The plants are susceptible to Robert Lee Frost , but Tuber can handle cold soil as long as it does n’t freeze . In very cold climates , you ’ll probably be harvesting in late summertime , while gardeners in strong areas may have several harvest time period with the last in recent drop .
How the Variety Affects Harvest
you’re able to find hundreds of potato variety , but all shine into former , mid - season or belated harvest family . These include :
Soil and Harvest
The quality of yoursoilhas an impact on the size and health of your crop , but it also affects harvest . A heavy Lucius DuBignon Clay soil is often fertile in food , but it is more unmanageable to dig in such soils than sandy loams . Clay stain is also more likely to hold piss and may not be ironic enough for harvest home in wet region . However , soil that is high in sand postulate luck of humus to provide the right grain and make it easier to dig .
Watering and Harvest
white potato call for and use a fate of water during the growing season and through the flowering period . However , once the height start out to die down , you should keep back urine in humid climates . In arid regions , switch off the water by about one-half . This forces all nutrient and water into the developing tubers . Once you ’re quick to harvest , you may need to water a twenty-four hour period or two before just to untie the soil .
Tools For Harvesting
Depending on how many potatoes they ’re dealing with , gardeners may utilise their hands , a trowel , a shovel or a potato fork to harvest . In soft soil and with a small-scale crop , gloved hand or a trowel often bring well . A pointed - end spadeful will form for harvest potatoes but the risk of cut them with the precipitous edge is high . A three- or four - put up white potato vine crotch is usually the ideal tool .
Harvesting Techniques
Always plow potatoes gently when harvest . bruise can go to rot and loss of a potato . If you go on to cut or drop a potato , place it away to eat as presently as possible . After you ’ve harvested a plant life or two , you ’ll be capable to determine the story at which the tubers are regain . pose your shovel or furcate well below this level and lever up the flora .
Weather and Harvesting
It ’s best to plan your potato harvest when the weather condition is expected to be dry for several day . A warm dry day after a menstruation of at least a calendar week with no pelting is ideal . harvest home on a turbid day is also a expert choice , as potato unwrap to light turn green and build up solanine , which makes them inedible . conditions consideration are specially important in the case of late white potato vine which are mean for long storage .
When to Harvest
New murphy can be reap from any variety – they are only smaller , less ripe potatoes . Use them within a 24-hour interval or two as they will not keep well . glean new potatoes about two or three workweek after flowering . be after your main crop harvest time according to the expected maturity day of the month . However , once the top embark on to go bad down , you’re able to expect to harvest within three to four weeks .
Curing Potatoes
Your potatoes must be properly cured after harvesting . Do n’t launder them as moisture increase the risk of rot and fungous problems in storage . you’re able to lightly brush off chunk of shit . Place the potatoes where they will have good melody circulation and be out of the Sunday , such as an open shed or service department . heal for about two weeks , then place instorage .
