Quick notes
As the days grow longer and the Lord’s Day warm the soil , it ’s meter to ship on the exciting adventure of harvest first early potatoes . These tender , flavorful tubers are aculinary delightthat signals the reaching of summer . But before you’re able to savor their earthy goodness , you ask to be intimate how to harvest first early potatoes properly . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with stair - by - step instructions , tips , and tricks to ensure a successful harvest .
When to Harvest First Early Potatoes
Theoptimal timeto crop firstearly potatoesdepends on your climate and the variety you establish . Generally , first early potatoes are ready to be dug up when :
Equipment You’ll Need
To harvest firstearly murphy , you ’ll need the following tool :
Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions
1 . Check theSoil Moisture : Ensure the dirt isslightly moistbut not doughy before harvest . This will make it easier to dig the potatoes without damage them.2 . Locate the murphy : Using your spade or furcate , carefully insertit into the soil about 10 - 12 inch aside from the base of the plant . dig into around to locate the potatoes.3 . apprehend Around the Potatoes : Gently digaround the potatoes , loosening the grime and creating asmall hole . Avoid pierce the potatoes with your spade or fork.4 . Lift the Potatoes : Once the dirt around the white potato is loosen , lightly liftthe murphy out of the ground using your hand or a spade.5 . Handle with Care : Firstearly potatoeshavedelicate tegument , so handle them with care toavoid bruisingor damaging them.6 . Remove Excess Soil : Gently brushoff anyexcess soilfrom the Solanum tuberosum . Do not moisten them at this stage , as this can remove their protective skin.7 . Store the right way : Place the harvested potatoes in a nerveless , dark , and well - ventilate areato remedy . This will help them develop theirfull flavorand extend their shelf life .
Tips for Successful Harvesting
How to Cure First Early Potatoes
Curing is an all important step in theharvesting processthat helps firstearly potatoesdevelop their full flavor and extend theirshelf life . Here ’s how to bring around first early potatoes:1 . scatter the Potatoes : circularise the harvested white potato in asingle layeron awire rackor in a shallow container.2 . Provide Air Circulation : Ensure there isgood air circulationaround the potatoes to prevent rot.3 . Maintain Darkness : Keep the potatoes in a dark , nerveless placeto prevent sprouting.4 . Control Humidity : Theideal humidityforcuring potatoesis around 85 - 90 % . If the gentle wind is too ironic , the potato will shrivel up . If it ’s too humid , they may rot.5 . Cure for 10 - 14 Days : Thecuring summons typically takes10 - 14 days . Once cured , the potatoes can be put in for several months in a cool , dark , and well - ventilated orbit .
Harvesting Second Early and Maincrop Potatoes
Once you ’ve harvestedyour firstearly potatoes , you ’ll need to wait a bit longer for 2nd other and maincrop potatoes .
Theharvesting techniquesfor second early andmaincrop potatoesare exchangeable to those for firstearly potatoes . However , it ’s of import to note that maincrop potato may take a longer curing period of up to 4 week .
Harvesting Potatoes for Long-Term Storage
If you plan tostore potatoesforlong period , it ’s important to harvest them at the right clip and heal them properly .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Can I glean firstearly potatoesbefore they flower?A : It ’s not advisable to harvest firstearly potatoesbefore they flower as the tubers may not be fully modernise . Q : Why do my firstearly potatoeshave green skins?A : greenish skinson white potato vine point exposure to sunlight . ward off harvesting spud that have been expose to sunshine , as they may arrest harmful compound . Q : How long can I store first too soon potatoes?A : decent curedfirstearly potatoescan be stored for up to several months in a cool , dark , and well - ventilate area . Q : Can I consume firstearly potatoeswith their skins on?A : Yes , firstearly potatoeshavethin skinsthat are dependable to eat . Scrub them good before consuming . Q : What are thenutritional benefitsof first too soon potatoes?A : Firstearly potatoesare agood sourceof fibre , potassium , vitamin C , and antioxidants .
