When to Harvest Potatoes

There is such a satisfying reward when it comes to harvesting potatoes. Perhaps it is the joy of discovering how many potatoes are growing beneath the surface of the earth or the variety that potatoes bring to your garden harvest. Potatoes are prominent performers in the garden, producing tremendous yields of quality, vitamin-rich comfort foods. They can be used right away after harvest or cured and stored through the cold days of winter.

No matter how you prefer preparing your potatoes, they are a staple in any pantry, and they have versatility like no other vegetable in your harvest. Check out our tips on how and when to harvest potatoes so you can bring these delectable comfort foods from your garden to your table.

There are two ways to harvest potatoes that have to do with when to collect them and the purpose that they will have once harvested. They can be further categorized by their recommended harvest times and divided into early, mid-season, and late-season crops. Early-season plants consume less space in garden beds than other types, and they are less likely to succumb to diseases like blight. They are harvested in early summer, while mid and late-season vegetables are harvested later in the season. Potatoes in each of these sub-categories can be harvested as either ‘new potatoes’ or ‘storage’ potatoes. It can be fun to grow potatoes from more than one grouping to extend your harvest all season

Potatoes that will be consumed right away are called ‘new potatoes,’ and they can be dug up from the ground with a pitchfork. Lift medium-sized potatoes to the surface of the soil and shake away any loose dirt. If there are still very young tubers down there, leave them intact, and cover them up for more growth. Rinse in cold water and use within the next few weeks.

What Can I Plant In The Same Bed As Potatoes?

The best companion plants for potatoes include culinary herbs like chives, thyme, and basil, vegetables like onion, beans, celery, and corn, and flowers like nasturtium and marigold. Avoid planting potatoes nearby brassicas (cabbage family), carrots, and squash.

Can Peppers and Potatoes Be Planted Together?

Potatoes are members of the nightshade family, so avoid planting potatoes near other family members, such as peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, and okra. This goes so far as to avoid planting potatoes where nightshade plants have recently been grown.

To harvest storage potatoes, allow the plant to proceed through its growth cycle wholly. Allow it to remain well past its blooming time for one or two weeks and then dig up your potatoes with a garden fork. Potatoes should have a firmness to the touch and feel a bit heavy for their size.

Do Marigolds Keep Potato Bugs Away?

Marigolds’ scent is naturally repellent to many common pests, including Colorado potato beetles. Sowing marigolds among your tubers will help keep your plants naturally pest free, plus the marigold flowers will provide some bright color to liven up your garden beds.

Storing potatoes will need one to two weeks longer to cure. Lay them out in a cool, dark place without washing them. After this time frame, the potatoes can be brushed off of any dirt and debris. Store them over the winter in a cool, dark place that hovers around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Discard or use and potatoes that have soft spots right away.

Can You Plant Potatoes In The Same Bed 2 Years In A Row?

No, you are not recommended to plant potatoes in the same place every year. This can lead to a build-up of pests and nutrient-deficient soil. Try out crop rotation and plant them in that same bed every 3-4 years; this will reduce nutrient depletion soil.

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