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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Best Bulking Foods That You Need For Fast Muscle Gains

When you are into bodybuilding, your primary goal is to build muscles through weightlifting and proper nutrition. Bulking is a part of the bodybuilding process. However, bulking requires proper nutrition along with weightlifting. You need to consume the best bulking foods to ensure the right nutrition. In this article, you will learn about the best bulking foods. Here, this article will explain the key nutrients bulking nutrients and the best protein sources. Apart from that, you will also learn about the best fat and carbohydrate sources useful for bulking. Finally, you will also get some tips for effective bulking. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. Why Is Bulking Integral To Bodybuilding? Generally, bodybuilding involves two phases: bulking and cutting. In the former, the goal is to gain weight and build muscles, while the latter consists in reducing body fat. Basically, bulking is a dietary process where you consume excess calories for muscle growth and weight gain. In fact, it is a common approach that athletes and bodybuilders use to increase their strength and muscle mass. Hence, bulking refers to an increase in calories that your body consumes when it is in the process of intense weight training. It is the stage where you gain muscles in your body. Here, you have to consume more calories than your body needs. However, you do it for a set period of time (4-6 months). The extra calories that you consume works as a necessary fuel for muscle growth. Moreover, it provides strength to your body through weight training. Best Bulking Foods: A General Overview In bulking, your focus should be to give your body more energy than it consumes, thus creating a calorie surplus. Meanwhile, this surplus creates extra energy, with the help of which your body creates muscle mass. Moreover, this energy helps you repair damaged tissues and fuel intense workouts. Actually, bulking is one of the most important aspects of muscle growth. This is because if you build muscles, you must provide your body with enough energy. This way, it can build and repair damaged muscle tissues after your workout. However, just because you are bulking, it does not mean that you have to consume as much food as possible. In fact, you must choose the best bulking foods and count your macronutrients. This way, you can support your muscle growth and minimize fat gain. Key Nutrients For Bulking If you want to achieve a clean bulk, you have to make smart food choices. In fact, if your choice of food is poor, it will lead to “dirty bulking.” As a result, you will end up with a lot of accumulated fat and minimal muscle gain. In fact, in healthy bulking, you must consume quality foods and minimize your fat gains. This is because your goal is to maximize your muscle gain and ensure proper metabolism. When bulking, you must focus on protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here is a breakdown of each nutrient you need for muscle gain: Proteins The importance of protein in muscle growth and repair is the highest. This is because proteins are the building blocks of muscles. Hence, in your bulking phase, aim to have a higher protein intake. Consume 1g of protein for each pound of your body weight. For example, if your body weight is 180 lbs, consume 180 grams of protein each day when you are bulking. Some good sources of lean protein include lean meats, eggs, poultry, fish, dairy products, lentils, beans, etc. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates help you in providing energy for intense workouts. Also, it helps create a bulk in the muscles. Basically, carbs replenish the glycogen inside your muscles. However, when you are bulking, take 1.5 grams of carbs for 1 lb of your weight. For example, if your body weight is 180 lbs, consume 250-270 grams of carbs daily when you are bulking. When choosing carbs for bulking, focus on consuming complex carbohydrates. These include brown rice, whole grains, fruits, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Fats Healthy fats are necessary for overall health and hormone production. Apart from that, it also helps in nutrient absorption. Hence, to consume healthy fats, you can include sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, etc. Best Protein Sources For Bulking The following are some of the best protein sources when you are in your bulking phase: Lean Meats: Some good sources of protein are chicken or turkey. This is because they have less saturated fat than red meat. For instance, you will get 18-25 grams of protein from 100 grams of chicken breast. Dairy Products: Generally, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk have high protein and high calories. Hence, they help you to build muscles faster. Apart from that, cottage cheese helps you in muscle recovery and growth due to its slow and steady dissolution. Fish and Seafood: Fishes like salmon, tuna, and shrimp are high in protein and healthy fat. Hence, you can consider consuming them from time to time. Eggs: Eggs are a good and fast-acting source of lean protein. Also, it contains healthy cholesterol. However, do not consume the egg yolk (yellow part) more than 2 in a day as it will increase cholesterol in your body. Meanwhile, you can consume multiple egg whites of boiled eggs in a single day. In fact, this is a good source of lean protein. Plant-Based Proteins: Plant-based proteins are lean and healthy at the same time. Some good sources of such protein are beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh. Protein Supplements: If you eat too much, you will feel bloated at the end of the day. Hence, you need protein supplements that will help you supplement the shortage of protein that you consume in a day. Some examples of protein supplements are whey protein, casein protein, and plant-based protein powders. Best Carbohydrate Sources For Bulking Here are some of the best bulking foods for carbohydrates that will help you during the bulking phase: Sweet Potatoes: a great post-workout snack that contains nutrients and fibers. Also, it will help you restore glycogen levels in your body. Fruits: Different types of fruits come with various nutrients and carbohydrates. Apart from that, fruits also add antioxidants to your body. For instance, a good fruit option to consume after a workout is a banana. Whole Grains: You can find whole-grain bread and pasta helping you consume complex carbs. Generally, they contain more vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Apart from that, you can also choose brown rice to get good-quality carbs. Legumes and Quinoa: Quinoa, beans, and lentils are excellent sources of carbohydrates. Best Fat Sources For Bulking Here are some of the best bulking foods for healthy fats that you can use during your bulking phase: Nuts and Seeds: Some essential and healthy sources of fats are almonds, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Oils: For instance, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil are great additions when considering fat for your diet. Hence, try to use coconut oil and olive oil in your cooking. This way, you can increase healthy fats and additional calories. Avocados: Avocadoes are rich in healthy fats and nutrients. Basically, they contain monounsaturated fatty acids that add healthy calories and fat to your diet. Also, it is a source of antioxidants and vitamin E. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are fatty fishes that help you remain healthy and achieve clean bulk. Also, a large dose of omega-3 fatty acids, can improve your joints and cardiovascular health. Dairy: Full-fat yogurt and cheese help your muscle restore glycogen stores. This helps more in the muscle-building process. Tips For Effective Bulking The following are some of the major tips for effective bulking: Meal Frequency: Eating multiple times a day is important to ensure a good flow of nutrients and faster metabolism. Hence, make sure to eat small multiple times throughout the day. Caloric Surplus: Always count your calories and your nutrients. For instance, if you see a caloric surplus to support muscle growth, you will have more energy for intense workouts and repairing damaged tissues. Hydration: Since you are working out and eating a lot, you must stay hydrated. This will support overall health and performance. Consistency: When you are in your bulking phase, be consistent with your diet and workout. Moreover, make sure to adjust your Intake. For instance, you can tweak calorie and nutrient intake based on progress and goals. Common Mistakes To Avoid To ensure efficient bulking, here are some common mistakes you must avoid: Do not eat too much quickly, as it will get difficult to cut later on. Make sure there is not a big gap between the two meals. Getting ample rest will not be helpful for your muscles. Basically, your muscles need to get rest for growth. Hence, it would help if you got enough sleep when you are working out regularly. Do cardio at least once a week. This helps you increase your appetite and helps you break down your calories faster. Summing Up Now you know the best bulking foods to help you grow your muscles and gain muscle weight. However, your nutrient intake and workout must go hand in hand. Only then will you get your desired results. Do you have more suggestions on the best bulking foods to consume? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: From Gym To Workplace: A Complete Guide To Lead A Healthy Lifestyle What Are the 5 Components of Fitness? – Let’s Find Out 8 Home Gym Systems You’ll Want To Try Out

Best Summer Lunch Options

The summer months are finally here! This is the perfect time to kick back a little and enjoy yourself. One way to do this is to order a few more lunches. Don’t worry about making your own lunch. Instead, enjoy a hot, tasty meal delivered right to you. If you’re thinking about searching for “lunch delivery near me” today, you may need some ideas for the best summer lunches. Top Foods for Summer Lunches If you are looking for a great summer meal, consider checking out Papa John’s. There are plenty of great options that can be perfect for a relaxing, summer meal. Pizza is always a good choice, no matter what season it is. It is perhaps the most easily shared meal available. Plus, you can often score great pizza delivery deals. If you want something easy, delicious, and perfect for a group, look no further than a pizza. Alternatively, you could check out the restaurant’s new half-pizza-half-sandwich, the Papadia. It isn’t quite like anything else on the market. The best thing you can do is try it for yourself. Make Sure To Add Papa John's Lunch Delivery Service as Well Part of what makes Papa John’s a great place to buy lunch is the option for fast and transparent delivery. Some restaurants leave you more or less in the dark about your delivery. This can be frustrating at best and concerning at worst. If you’ve ever waited over an hour for your lunch, you know why you want to buy from a place that gives you regular updates. If you order through Papa John’s app, you can see where your pizza is and how close it is to reach you. This is a much better way to order lunch. They have recently added contactless delivery. This innovation came with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a great way to get a delicious lunch while staying safe. The driver will drop off your food and make sure you pick it up before leaving. However, he or she will stand back to socially distance while you are coming outside. Save Some Cash with Papa John's Pizza Delivery Deals Another great reason to buy from Papa John’s is the number of deals available. They are in the absolute top tier in terms of options for saving. You can always find specials on certain orders such as two pizzas and a drink. Additionally, they offer rewards on every purchase. So, you can get free pizza just for buying from the restaurant. There are other options for saving such as getting text and email promotions. In short, you can probably save on just about every order you place. Order Your Lunch Today If you are thinking about looking up “best restaurants near me,” check out Papa John’s. It has some great lunch options and plenty of ways to save. It may not be the first place you think of for lunch. However, after you give it a try, it will probably become your go-to. See for yourself today by ordering a delicious lunch with delivery. Read Also: Wedding Food Ideas: What’s Hot and What’s Not Reasons to Stay in a Vacation Home Rather Than a Hotel

How To Cook Sausage That Tastes Like Heaven

If you have been dreaming a lot about sausages lately, I am sure the thought of how to cook sausage has also struck your mind. Well, let me tell you that cooking this tasty, meaty delicacy does not require any top-notch skill. Check out own the grill for additional grilling strategies, guides, and tips on making the perfect grill recipes To cook sausages perfectly, what one requires is patience. It has been found that people often face many challenges while cooking sausages. These issues can be that while the exterior of the sausages gets cooked, the insides remain raw. You can also StoneFryingPans for more info on cooking. Also, the sausages might end up being dry, or the casings might split as well. However, I earnestly request you not to worry. Since I am here now, I will guide you to understand and learn every aspect of cooking perfect sausages. You can also visit how-to-boil.com for more information about the same. What Is A Sausage? A sausage is a meat product, or to be more specific, a type of forcemeat. It is generally composed of ground meat, such as beef, pork, and even poultry. Some seasonings, herbs, and spices are also added for flavors. These forcemeats are then enclosed in a casing made of animal intestines or synthetic materials. A huge variety of sausages are available across the world that are native to the places where they are found. What Are The Different Types Of Sausage? There is a basic classification of sausages based on a lot of features. From the types of ingredients used to the various cooking procedures, all are taken into consideration while differentiating between sausages. It can be primarily classified as cooked, fresh, and dry sausages. Sausages also vary according to regional influences. American sausage, Italian sausage, German sausage, and many more sausages have been extremely popular around the world. Some of these are Cumberland sausage from the UK, Haggis from Scotland, Saucisson and Chipolata from France, Bratwurst sausage from Germany, Chorizo sausage from Spain, Mortadella sausage from Italy, and many more. Various Ways Of How To Cook Sausage The best way to cook sausage is to tailor it to the preferences of your taste buds. You would also find sausages that could be eaten raw like the Chorizo. However, most other sausages need to be cooked before consumption. Whether you want to know how to cook breakfast sausage or some Italian sausage, let me tell you that these can all be cooked in a similar way. Now, with the evolution of modern cookery, many recipes have been developed for cooking sausages. But, here we will focus on the basic methods of sausage cookery: How To Boil Sausage? Boiling a sausage is one of the easiest ways to learn how to cook the sausage. If you are thinking boiling a sausage is some very difficult task, then you are wrong. It is as simple and similar as boiling any other food item. Boiling a sausage will allow the hot water to pierce through the meat and cook the interior part more evenly. It will have a soft, tender texture rather than a crispy one. Ingredients Required: Sausages Water Salt Procedure: Take a saucepan and fill it with enough water. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil. With the help of tongs, place the sausages in the saucepan. Reduce the heat and keep it on simmer. Add some salt to the water. For flavoring, you can opt to add some wine, beer, or stock. Cover the pan with a lid. Let the sausages cook for about 15-30 minutes, depending on the size. Remove the lid, take the sausages out and dry them with some paper towel. How To Grill Sausage? Grilling is a form of high-temperature cooking that allows the food to get cooked by the application of dry heat. In this method of cooking, the heat might be applied from above, or below, or even from the sides. It is often stated by health professionals that grilling sausage might lead to the formation of potentially hazardous compounds in the food. However, nothing beats our love for sausages, so you might compromise on your health a bit this time. Grilling the sausages will eventually turn them brownish in color with grill marks on the body. Ingredients Required: Sausages Oil Salt and pepper Procedure: For this cooking method, the most important thing that you need is a griller. Make sure the temperature is higher on one side while lower on the other. As the griller gets heated, spill and spread a tablespoon of oil over it. Use tongs and place the sausage on the hotter side of the grill. Grill them for a minute or two and cook on both sides to get the marks. As they acquire a deep-brownish color and start to burn, immediately move them to the cooler side of the grill using tongs. On this side, cook the sausages slowly for about 10-15 minutes. When they are done, remove from the grill and sprinkle some salt over. How To Bake Sausage? Baking is a great way that can help you learn how to cook sausage in the oven. Baking is also a dry method of cooking that involves the application of high heat. This method makes the sausages taste more interesting than ever. There are also very few chances of the item getting burnt in an oven. Here, the heat is gradually distributed from the surface to the interiors of the food. A baked sausage often has a crispy texture and appears to be light-brownish in color. Ingredients Required: Sausages Butter Garlic Salt and pepper Fresh herbs Cheese Procedure: Preheat the oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating, take a baking tray and brush it with a very little amount of butter or oil. If you want to make it more delicious, you can brush some butter over the sausages and add some chopped garlic to them. Place the sausages evenly apart on the tray. Put the filled tray inside the oven. Let the sausages get cooked for about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size. You can turn the sausages once in between to get them evenly cooked. Once they are cooked, take the sausages out. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs and some grated cheese over the sausage. Final Thoughts Well, I haven’t seen you cook yet, but I am certain that you have learned about the basics of how to cook sausage after reading this article. Aren’t these methods excessively simple? Yes, I knew you would agree with me. So when the love for sausage is there, and the grill is on fire, what on earth is stopping you? It is your time to relish such a delectable piece of food. More Resources: Cooking Tips: Simple Fundamental Cooking Ideas To Make Food Smaller Sized Meal Portions for Dogs How To Start A Food Truck Business And Earn Money From It In 2021

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