LRL@PSUVM.BITNET (09/15/86)
When is the proper time to harvest potatoes for storage? I've heard that
any time after the tops die is ok, also that you shouldn't leave them in
the ground too long after the tops have died or they'll rot, and also that
they're better after a frost. I live in central Pennsylvania. The tops
died about a month ago and we haven't had a frost yet.
bermes@ihlpg.UUCP (Bermes) (09/17/86)
> When is the proper time to harvest potatoes for storage? I've heard that > any time after the tops die is ok, also that you shouldn't leave them in > the ground too long after the tops have died or they'll rot, and also that > they're better after a frost. I live in central Pennsylvania. The tops > died about a month ago and we haven't had a frost yet. > I start digging my potatoes when the plants start to flower. This is when the potatoes are small, tender and buttery. These are called "new" potatoes. I dig the potatoes as needed and dig the remaining ones before the ground freezes. The only problem with this is if the fall is wet, there a better than good chance that the potatoes will rot. Happy eating, Terry Bermes
buls@dataio.UUCP (Rick Buls) (09/18/86)
In article <7412LRL@PSUVM> LRL@PSUVM.BITNET writes: >When is the proper time to harvest potatoes for storage? I've heard that >any time after the tops die is ok, also that you shouldn't leave them in >the ground too long after the tops have died or they'll rot, and also that >they're better after a frost. I live in central Pennsylvania. Harvest anytime after the tops die, its not necesary to have all tops dead. In fact it is nice to have the tops still semi-non-dry (is that a word), but only for ease in digging, ie you can see where the plant was and can grab the plant and pull up the potatoes as you dig. The important part is that the spuds dry before you store them. Best to dig in the morning on a sunny day, let them set on the ground for several hours, turn them once so the underside can dry. Knock the loose dirt off as you sack them. store in dark cool place( low humidity). Potatoes will not rot in the ground unless the have the rot, but then they'll rot in storage. Spuds can be stored in the ground, deep enough to keep frost away, but in WELL drained ground. I know that they'll last, I have to pull up hundreds of volunteers each year from the little spuds of a year ago.