Harvesting potatoes is an exciting time for gardeners and farmers alike. The process of digging up potatoes requires some care to avoid damaging the delicate tubers. Here’s how and when to dig up potatoes:
- Timing: Potatoes are usually ready to harvest when the plants start to die back and turn yellow. This usually occurs 2-3 weeks after the plants have finished flowering.
- Preparation: Before harvesting, cut the foliage back to ground level, leaving only the stems. This will allow the potatoes to cure and develop tough skin that will help them to store well.
- Digging: Potatoes can be dug up by hand or using a digging fork. Start digging around the edge of the potato plant, working your way inward. Be careful not to damage any potatoes as you dig them.
- Storage: After harvesting, allow the potatoes to dry in the sun for a few hours. Then, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent them from sprouting.
- Sorting: Sort the potatoes by size and quality. Damaged or diseased potatoes should be discarded, while good-quality potatoes can be stored for several months.
In summary, potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants start to die back and turn yellow. After cutting back the foliage, dig up the potatoes by hand or using a digging fork, being careful not to damage them. Allow them to dry in the sun, and then store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Finally, sort the potatoes by size and quality, discarding any damaged or diseased potatoes.
This process could be used to dig potatoes grown in bed, furrows as well as flat sowing. Digging potatoes without injuring yourself improves potato storage.
This potato-digging process was done at Muhammad Ahmad Khokhar Al-Munir Agriculture Farm
Robina Khaliq
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
