How to Harvest and Store Potatoes

Potatoes are actually a New World plant, but it took Irish immigrants to bring them to the attention of North Americans. Once dismissed as a commercial crop by all but the most avid gardeners, they're rapidly regaining popularity, especially as colorful new varieties become available.

Things You'll Need

• Garden Hoses
• Gardening Gloves
• Shovels
• Spading Forks

Instructions

1. Harvest new potatoes when the plants' vines start to flower.

2. Dig into the hill and pull out tubers, leaving some for later harvest.

3. Water well after harvesting to avoid stressing the plants.

4. Harvest mature potatoes when tops die and before the first frost. Dig under plants with a fork or shovel, taking care not to damage the tubers. Lift the plant, shake off the soil and pull potatoes from the vine.

5. Use new potatoes immediately. Use mature potatoes immediately or store in a cool, damp, dark place for three to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Potatoes can be harvested in summer when they are quite small or left to mature for a fall harvest.

• Potatoes are generally stored raw and used for cooking. Keep them in a cold, dark location. They can also be canned, frozen or dried.