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Post by degem on Sept 17, 2008 14:11:43 GMT -5
We are thinking about picking potatoes from the potato patch this wkend. Any tips on the best way to store them?
TIA Gem
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Post by Scott Ross on Sept 17, 2008 14:29:27 GMT -5
We are thinking about picking potatoes from the potato patch this wkend. Any tips on the best way to store them? In my pantry... Scott
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Post by degem on Sept 17, 2008 14:33:05 GMT -5
Whoops I meant to say any tips on how to store them over the winter ? Gem
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Post by Scott Ross on Sept 17, 2008 14:40:30 GMT -5
Weeeellllll, that's different. Now that you have grown potatoes and learned how to cultivate and protect them from pests and diseases, harvesting and storage of your crop is next.
Your potato plants have died back and you are ready to harvest your crop. Be patient and wait 2 to 3 weeks after the vines have died or you will have a bunch of small potatoes that weren’t really ready to be uncovered yet.
Once 2 to 3 weeks have passed, carefully dig a foot outside the trench or mound with a spade. Remove potatoes as they are uncovered being careful not to spear or bruise them.
If you’ve planted potatoes in a tire stack remove the tires one at a time and collect the potatoes that will literally fall out.
The skins of the newly harvested potatoes need to mature. Mature skins protect the potatoes during storage. Move your crop to a dark cool place such as a basement or garage. Don’t wash them. Leave them alone for 2 to 3 days and then go ahead and rinse them off.
Store in a well ventilated, dark, cool place at about 40 degrees. Potatoes should store for about 3 to 6 months. Make sure they are in darkness because any sunlight will cause them to sprout. Also make sure there is good air circulation all around the potatoes. Store in a loosely woven basket or slotted bin. You can also store them in the legs of panty hose and hang them. Never store potatoes in close proximity to fruit as fruit produces a hormone as it ripens that will cause the potatoes to sprout.vegetablegardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/harvesting_homegrown_potatoesScott
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Post by degem on Sept 17, 2008 14:46:04 GMT -5
;D Yes it does make a difference Scott! Thanks for the link.
I have some "spare" panty hoses that I can use as storage for
the potatoes. Maybe I should hang them out on my clothes lines...
LOL...
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Post by IllinoisGal on Sept 21, 2008 21:24:22 GMT -5
My father in law always grew Red potatos and sweet potatos every yr in his garden. He passed away this past February.
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