Storing Potatoes

Dan Field Crops, Vegetables

potatoesCathy Isom give us some tips on how to store potatoes for the year. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.

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Because they’re a root vegetables potatoes can last a pretty long time.

If you’re growing your own root crops, and want to store the leftovers from your harvest, the three things that are key to storing potatoes for the year: Curing them, storing them at the right temperature, and keeping moisture under control.

Always rub away any dirt and never wash the ones you want to store.

To cure the potatoes, lay them out in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees, and let the potatoes rest for about two weeks. This curing process makes the skins tougher, which helps the potatoes keep longer.

For long-term storage, place the potatoes in a cool, dry and dark area where temperatures won’t fall below freezing or rise above 60 degrees. They’ll keep best between temperatures of 35 and 40 degrees. Make sure that your storage container is well ventilated. A crate, a cardboard box with holes punched in it, or any sort of container that will allow for any excess moisture to evaporate. Keep the container covered away from any light source to prevent sprouting.