How to Harvest Potatoes: A Complete Guide from Planting to Storage

Published on: 15 March 2024 Last Updated on: 04 September 2024

If there is something that I have learned in life, it is about gardening. Well, almost everything if not all. And if there is one thing that took me some time to master, it was knowing how to harvest potatoes at home!

Potatoes are one of the most versatile and popular vegetables in the world. They can be cooked in many different ways, such as boiled, baked, fried, mashed, or roasted. Moreover, they are also rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

But how do you grow and harvest your own potatoes at home? You see, potatoes are not like cilantro or other plants. These are tubers.

In this article, I will show you everything you need to know about how to harvest potatoes, from planting to storage.

So, if that is something that you are interested in knowing, then I have you covered! Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…

How to Plant Potato Seeds or Tubers?

The first step in how to harvest potatoes is to plant them. You can start with either potato seeds or tubers. Potato seeds are small, round, and black, and they are usually sold in packets.

Potato tubers are the actual potatoes that you eat, and they have eyes or buds that can sprout new plants.

You can buy certified seed potatoes from a nursery or garden center, or use organic potatoes from the grocery store.

Here are some if the steps that you must take to plant them:

Planting Potato Seeds

To plant potato seeds, you need to sow them indoors in pots or trays filled with moist potting soil.
Place them in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
The seeds will germinate in about two weeks and produce small green shoots.
When the shoots are about 3 inches tall, you can transplant them outdoors in your garden or in containers.

Planting Potato Tubers

To plant potato tubers, you need to cut them into pieces, each with at least one eye.
You can do this a few days before planting to let the cut surfaces heal and prevent rotting. Alternatively, you can plant whole small potatoes with several eyes.
To prepare the soil, you need to loosen it and add some organic matter, such as compost or manure.
You also need to make sure the soil is well-drained and slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0.
You can use a soil test kit to check the pH level and adjust it with lime or sulfur if needed.

Planting Potato Pieces

To plant the potato pieces, you need to dig a trench about 4 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
Place the pieces about 12 inches apart, with the eyes facing up.
Cover them with 3 inches of soil and water well.
As the plants grow, you need to hill up the soil around them to cover the lower stems and prevent the tubers from being exposed to sunlight, which can turn them green and bitter.
You can also mulch the soil with straw, leaves, or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Care for Your Potato Plants?

The second step in how to harvest potatoes is to care for your potato plants. You need to water them regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You also need to fertilize them every two weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. Also, you can add some wood ash or bone meal to provide extra potassium and phosphorus, which are essential for tuber formation.

You also need to protect your potato plants from pests and diseases, which can reduce your yield and quality. Some of the common potato pests are:

Colorado potato beetles, which are yellow and black striped insects that feed on the leaves and can defoliate the plants. You can handpick them and drop them in a bucket of soapy water, or use an organic insecticide, such as neem oil or pyrethrin.
Potato leafhoppers, which are small, green, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and yellow. You can spray them with a strong jet of water, or use an organic insecticide, such as garlic or hot pepper spray.
Wireworms, which are thin, brown, worm-like larvae that bore into the tubers and cause holes and tunnels. You can trap them with pieces of carrot or potato buried in the soil, or use beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic worms that parasitize and kill the wireworms.

Common Potato Diseases

One of the most common reasons why a potato cannot grow or survive is the diseases. If you were wondering what some of these can be and how to deal with them, I have you covered!

Some of the common potato diseases are:

Late Blight: It is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and stems, and black or brown lesions on the tubers. It can spread rapidly and destroy the entire crop. You can prevent it by planting resistant varieties, avoiding overhead watering, and removing any infected plants and tubers. You can also use a fungicide, such as copper or sulfur, as a preventive measure.
Scab: This is a bacterial disease that causes rough, corky patches on the tubers. It does not affect the taste or edibility of the potatoes, but it reduces their appearance and storage quality. You can prevent it by planting resistant varieties, maintaining a slightly acidic soil pH, and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Potato Virus Y: Lastly, this is a viral disease that causes mosaic patterns, mottling, or yellowing on the leaves, and misshapen or knobby tubers. It can reduce the yield and quality of the potatoes, and it can be transmitted by aphids or infected seed potatoes. You can prevent it by planting certified virus-free seed potatoes, controlling aphids, and removing any infected plants and tubers.

How to Determine When Your Potatoes Are Ready to Harvest?

The third step in how to harvest potatoes is to determine when they are ready to harvest. This depends on the type and variety of potatoes you planted, and the size and maturity you want.

There are two main types of potatoes: early and late.

Early potatoes are ready to harvest in about 10 to 12 weeks (about 3 months) after planting, and they produce small to medium-sized tubers that are tender and thin-skinned. They are best for boiling, steaming, or roasting.

Late potatoes are ready to harvest in about 15 to 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) after planting, and they produce large, starchy tubers that are firm and thick-skinned. They are best for baking, mashing, or frying.

Early Harvesting

To harvest early potatoes, you can start digging them up when the plants begin to flower, or when the lower leaves start to yellow.
You can use a garden fork or a spade to gently lift the plants and tubers from the soil, or you can use your hands to feel for the tubers under the soil.
You can harvest as many or as few potatoes as you need, and leave the rest in the ground until you are ready to use them.
You can also harvest some of the young, tender leaves and stems, which are edible and nutritious.

Late Harvesting

To harvest late potatoes, you need to wait until the plants have died back completely, or until the first frost.
This allows the tubers to develop a thicker skin, which helps them store better.
You can use a garden fork or a spade to dig up the entire row of plants and tubers, or you can use a potato digger, which is a special tool that lifts and separates the tubers from the soil.
You need to be careful not to damage or bruise the tubers, as this can cause rotting or spoilage.

How to Dig Up, Cure, and Store Your Potatoes?

The final step in how to harvest potatoes is to dig up, cure, and store your potatoes. This is important to preserve the quality and shelf life of your potatoes, and to prevent them from sprouting, rotting, or shrinking. Here are the steps to follow:

Digging Up

After digging up your potatoes, you need to brush off any excess soil and remove any damaged, diseased, or green tubers.

Do not wash your potatoes, as this can remove the protective skin and invite bacteria and fungi. You can wash them just before cooking or eating them.

Curing

You need to cure your potatoes for about two weeks in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, such as a basement, garage, or shed.

This allows the skin to harden and heal any minor cuts or bruises and enhances the flavor and texture of the potatoes.

The ideal temperature for curing is between 50°F and 60°F, and the ideal humidity is between 80% and 90%.

You can spread your potatoes in a single layer on a newspaper, cardboard, or wooden crate, and avoid exposing them to light, which can turn them green and bitter.

Storing

You need to store your potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a cellar, pantry, or closet. The ideal temperature for storage is between 40°F and 50°F, and the ideal humidity is between 65% and 70%.

You can store your potatoes in paper bags, cardboard boxes, mesh bags, or wooden crates, and check them regularly for any signs of sprouting, rotting, or shriveling.

You can also store your potatoes in a root cellar, which is an underground or partially underground structure that maintains a constant temperature and humidity.

Additionally, you can also store your potatoes in a clamp, which is a mound of straw, hay, or leaves covered with soil, that insulates and protects the potatoes from frost and rodents.

Wrapping It Up!

If you want to know about how to harvest potatoes, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. However, if there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know.

All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Positive And Negative Effects Of Portobello Mushrooms: Tasty Treat Or Health Hazard?

Although mushrooms have been used in cooking and customs for over a millennia, their popularity has increased recently. Previously unfashionable and difficult to market, portobello mushrooms are now in high demand all across the world. These big, meaty mushrooms taste fantastic when grilled, stuffed, or used as a meat substitute in burgers and sandwiches. They also have a delightfully rich flavor. But do portobello mushrooms have any health benefits over other foods? What are the negative effects of portobello mushrooms? Here we will talk about different methods to incorporate portobello mushrooms into your diet and their positive and negative aspects. What Are Portobello Mushrooms? Image Source: tastingtable.com The delicious Agaricus bisporus fungus, which also produces cremini and button mushrooms, is the source of these large mushrooms. Actually, despite being in various stages of development, all of these mushrooms are the same. The biggest and darkest of the three mushrooms, portobellos are the most mature. They can occasionally reach a width of around 6 inches and have a deep brown color. Large-scale portobello mushroom cultivation is famous all over the world. These mushrooms, however, are from the meadows of Eurasia and North America in the wild. They have a less spongy texture than other mushrooms. These mushrooms have a meatier texture which makes them a good substitute in vegan and vegetarian meals. Portobello mushrooms are generally thought to be a fantastic source of important nutrients that are good for your body. It is believed that portobello mushrooms are rich in beneficial plant-derived nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, potassium, copper, and selenium. If they are exposed to UV radiation while developing, they can also be a rich source of vitamin D. Mushrooms were initially not acceptable to the general public and to persuade people to add them to their shopping baskets- voluntarily. In order to make that happen they were given the rather glitzy-sounding name Portabella in the 1980s. Today, 90% of all mushrooms produced in the USA are portobello mushrooms. They are also a common addition to recipes by professional chefs at restaurants and for recipes cooked at home. Next time you see these delectable mushrooms you're shopping and they're labeled portabella rather than portobello, don't worry—they're the same! Many people think that mushrooms, in general, offer a number of health advantages. The same is true of portobello mushrooms, which are a rich source of protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to remember that there has been little research on the health advantages of portobello mushrooms. It cannot be suggested for consumption without necessary caution. Benefits Of Portobello Mushrooms Image Source: a-z-animals.com Here are three positive health benefits of having portobello mushrooms based on popular research: Portobello mushrooms are an excellent addition to any diet because they lower fat and calories, like all mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms have a low calorie and fat content of 22 per 100 grams. They also contain 2.11 and 1.3 grams of protein and fiber. High concentrations of B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid enrich portobello mushrooms. They are essential for many bodily functions, like energy production and the metabolism of macronutrients. According to research, portobello mushrooms are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining muscle health and strength. 128g of cooked portobello mushrooms contain 440mg of potassium. It is roughly 9% of the daily adult intake. Negative Effects Of Portobello Mushrooms Image Source: cdn.britannica.com Like any meal, portobello mushrooms may not be suitable for everyone. The following are a few possible drawbacks of portobello mushrooms: Allergic Reactions Portobellos and other mushrooms may cause an allergic reaction in certain people. The degree of allergic reactions can vary. It can range from minor symptoms like irritation and hives to more serious ones like breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis. Consumption of portobello mushrooms can cause a severe reaction if you have a mushroom allergy. Digestive Problems Portobellos and other mushrooms contain chitin, a form of carbohydrate. Humans find chitin difficult to digest, and for some people, it can be uncomfortable. If ingested in large numbers or not cooked well, mushrooms can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, or upset stomach. Risks Of Contamination If you don't handle, preserve, and prepare portobello mushrooms correctly, they may become contaminated with bacteria, molds, and other hazardous germs. In this regard, they are much like other mushrooms. Food poisoning from eating contaminated mushrooms can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Medication Interactions Portobello mushrooms, like several other foods, may have an effect on how some medicines work. For instance, they might impact how some medications and anticoagulants work. To be certain. There are no reported interactions. However, you can talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking drugs. How To Cook Portobello Mushrooms? Image Source: zardyplants.com Portobello mushrooms are ideal veggies in a variety of ways, including grilled, stuffed, and fried. However, you can also serve them on their own. They are very popular in Italian recipes like spaghetti and even as toppings on pizza. In a variety of vegetarian and vegan meals, including burgers and steaks, portobello mushrooms' are an ideal meat substitute. Here are a few of our favorite methods for preparing delicious portobello mushrooms: You may substitute a grilled portobello mushroom for a traditional meat burger or eat it alone as a plant-based steak. To prepare portobello mushrooms for pasta dishes and sauces, put them in a skillet and cook briefly until fork-tender. Portobello mushroom stuffing is an all-time favorite! Load a generous amount of cheese into the mushroom's center before baking it in an oven until it turns golden. Slice up a few of these chewy deliciousnesses. Put them on toast or toss them over for a savory stir fry! How To Choose The Right Portobello Mushrooms? Image Source: boomieskitchen.com Pick fresh, firm portobello mushrooms when you're shopping. Avoid portobello mushrooms that have bruises, or that have soft patches, as they are not suitable for consumption. You must consume fresh mushrooms right away because they are bad for your health when old. Fresh portobello mushrooms are best when in a paper bag or their original container in the refrigerator. These fresh mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container and kept at room temperature. It will prevent the formation of dangerous bacteria that could cause botulism. To help avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands both before and after handling portobello mushrooms. Before preparing and eating, immediately wash mushrooms under running water. Other than water, there is nothing else you need to use to clean your mushrooms. Never pre-wash mushrooms since the dampness will hasten their deterioration. Wrapping Up So it appears that portobello mushrooms may be more than we originally thought! There are so many good reasons to include portobello mushrooms in your diet. The possible health advantages and their distinctive texture and flavor make them super palatable. Remember that the negative consequences are not all-encompassing and might not be relevant for everyone. When included in a balanced diet, portobello mushrooms are a generally healthy and safe food option. However, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider or allergist for specialized guidance if you have known allergies. Learn More About: 7 Benefits Of Eating Protein Rich Snacks 5 Ways To Use Medicinal Mushroom Extracts Great Health Benefits You Get From A Protein Coconut Bar

7 Cheeses Everyone Should Know About

The fact that there are at least 650 types of cheeses means that there are types that even cheese lovers have not heard of before. These cheeses can be found in different parts of the globe from the cold, temperate regions of Canada to the snow-capped mountainous rural areas of Switzerland to the warm, tropical fields in South Asia. For those who want to know more about the lesser-known types of cheese, these are seven that you should try out soon: Cotija : You may not have heard of cotija cheese before but you may have already tasted it as it is a mainstay on taco and salad recipes. It is derived from cow’s milk, which is aged for three months. Originally from Mexico, it has been compared to feta though it acquires a tangier taste and drier texture as it ages. It is used in its home country as an addition to the soup. Other cooks also mix it in with guacamole and use it to top beans and casseroles. Emmental : A lot of people call it “Swiss cheese” but its name is actually “Emmental.” Emmental is the type of cheese typically featured in cartoons with holes in them. Emmental is especially perfect for fondue and grilled cheese. What is most interesting about Emmental is the process by which it is made. Cows are made to graze in the mountains of the Alps in the southern regions of Switzerland so that they can produce milk later on. The milk curds are the ones used to make Emmental by pressing them firmly together. What is the reason for the bubbles you say? These are actually bubbles of carbon dioxide that were made by bacteria that are consuming the lactic acid. Camembert : The camembert may be one of the most widely produced cheeses in France but it is barely known outside Europe. This is due to the fact that the aging period is only at over three weeks, making it difficult to mass transport in batches to other parts of the world. Camembert is characterized for its mild, almost mushroom-like aroma. It is sometimes eaten as is or deep-fried. A few even do breaded camembert snacks. Manchego : This Spanish cheese is made from milk produced from the Manchega sheep. It has a varied color, depending on the aging period it has, which can range from ivory to yellow. Young manchego cheese can be characterized as creamy and rich though it becomes salty as it ages. It is usually served as is though it is popularly paired with the Spanish membrillo for snacks. Feta : Feta is unusual as cheese as it is among the few that is a combination of two types of cheese. Seventy percent of feta is made from sheep’s milk, with the remaining parts coming from goat’s milk. It mainly comes from Greece and is moist and brined. It tastes great when it is used as a spread on bread. Monterey Jack : This cheese is one of the few kinds of cheese that originated from the United States. It is unique in the sense that it has one of the shortest aging times – only one month. Made from cow milk, it has a mild but buttery flavor. Due to the high level of butterfat in it, it melts right away, which makes it a great way to make cheese dip. It is also sometimes used over chili and casseroles. A thing that you may not realize about Monterey Jack is that it is usually the cheese that is mixed with hot pickled peppers to come up with Pepper Jack cheese. Chèvre : In France, the word “chèvre” mainly refers to any type of goat milk. In fact, the word is literally translated as “goat.” The use of “chèvre,” however, has evolved through time as it moved to other places. Now, the aging time of chèvre has become so varied. For example, in America, chèvre is what people call fresh goat’s milk that is not aged and is served and eaten right away after it is done. French variants of chèvre, on the other hand, are described as lemony and slightly acidic. When you see chèvre sold in markets, you will see that it comes in vacuum-sealed logs, with a few spices and herbs added. Conclusion : If you want to make these popular cheeses, you should have one of the best cheesemakers available in the market. In addition to having a cheesemaker, you may also need a yogurt strainer bag. So, go ahead and have all you need to make these popular cheeses and enjoy the amazing tastes and flavors of cheeses you like. Read Also : Foods To Eat On A Low-Carb Ketogenic Diet The Mouthwatering Foodie Tour To Mumbai

All you Need to Know About the Different Types of Coffee

Coffee lovers would want to try different types of coffee to find their perfect match. A tasty cup of coffee in the morning would brighten your day. If you are working in the office you would want to have a cup of coffee at lunchtime. Whenever you visit a cafe or a coffee shop, you are likely to see an ad of a newly launched taste or flavor. You would love to give it a try, right? Below is a discussion of different types of coffee. Read on for more information Different Types of Coffee: You must be willing to know how many types of coffee are out there in the market, for example, Kimbo coffee. However, you would be interested to know that there are more than thirty different types of coffee. Let’s discuss a few of them. 1. Cappucino: This kind of coffee is quite common and whenever you would visit a cafe or coffee shop you are likely to see this particular type in the menu. You can enjoy it at breakfast or it would depend on your preference. It has three layers for you to enjoy the flavor. Enjoy cappuccino! 2. Espresso: Who is not familiar with this type of coffee! You can see it around quite often. Some people enjoy espresso a lot and making a good one is truly an art. Not everyone is great at making espresso. It falls under the category of black coffee. Thus, if you prefer no milk in the coffee this is what you are going to try for sure. Enjoy espresso! 3. Ristretto: It is a regular espresso but it is made with half the amount of water. It is a type that falls under black coffee. Thus, if you are among the ones who enjoy coffee without milk, you can try this particular one. Due to the difference in the amount of water, this particular coffee has a different taste than the regular espresso. Enjoy ristretto! 4. Americano: This type of coffee is said to be common with the soldiers of the second world war. Later on, it gained popularity. However, espresso is the main base of this particular type of coffee. Actually, in this type, a small espresso shot involves a large amount of water. Maybe this is the way American soldiers had been trying to keep their coffee for a longer period! Enjoy americano! 5. Long Black: You can consider long black as a type of coffee, which is similar to Americano, but instead of one, there are two espresso shots in it. The amount of water in this type would remain the same, though. This type of coffee could also be made with ristretto as well. Whatever you like the most. It is quite rare to find good-tasting premium coffee. However, with the right cafe, person, or equipment, you can find an amazing cup. Enjoy long black! 6. Instant Coffee: You must be quite familiar with this type of coffee as it is the simplest one to make. All you need is hot water and the coffee powder. Mix the two and you would get your instant coffee. It is interesting to note that this kind of coffee has a longer shelf life. Enjoy instant coffee! 7. Flat White: For those who like milk-based coffee would like to try the flat white. It has espresso but the amount of steam milk in this particular coffee type is lower. You can still feel the amazing espresso aroma but you can still enjoy the milky base. This would be great for milk coffee lovers. Enjoy flat white! 8. Latte: This kind of coffee would have a lot of milk in it. So, the milk lovers are definitely going to enjoy the taste, flavor, and aroma. It is different from the Capuccino and Flat White. It would be a good idea to try all the milk-based coffee types and decide for yourself which one you like the most. In fact, learn to make some good coffee as well. It would be great to make a cup of coffee for someone and yourself. Enjoy latte! Above are some of the types of coffee that you can commonly find. There is a huge variety available out there. However, here only a few are discussed especially the common ones. What you can do is try a few of these and see for yourself which one you like the most. You can also order the home use coffee equipment online too! Finding The Best Coffee Equipment: You can make great coffee if you have the right beans and equipment. Not everyone is a great coffee maker, which is why people rush to their favorite cafe in the morning. People love to have some coffee at breakfast as their day is incomplete without a good cup of coffee. Life is short, enjoy simple moments. One of which is savoring a great cup of coffee at your favorite place in the world. Try different flavors and make sure you find the one that suits your style statement and your taste. Learn to make some good coffee as well so that you can be a proud host! Get home use coffee equipment and beans in Kuwait from the Qavashop Kuwait. Visit the official website for more information. Final Words: In order to understand how many different types of coffee are out there in the market, you can simply visit a coffee shop or a cafe. In that cafe or coffee shop, you would be able to take a glance at the menu and you would know what is available. It is a great idea to learn about the most common types of coffee. But, it would depend on you what type or kind you enjoy the most. Not everyone serves great coffee, which is why it is important for you to find your signature style and invest in good equipment that can make great coffee for you. Find your best! Enjoy Coffee! Read Also: Monthly Best Coffee Subscription How To Make Coffee With Aeropress Machine 7 Fantastically Unusual Uses Of Old Coffee Beans

How to Harvest Potatoes: A Complete Guide from Planting to Storage