| Harvest potatoes after the vines have died. Handle as gently as possible during harvest. Because the tubers develop 4 to 6 inches beneath the soil surface, a shovel or spading fork is a useful tool for digging potatoes. Potatoes for use in early summer ("new potatoes")may be dug before the vines die (usually in July). When the potatoes reach 1 to 2 inches in size, you may wish to dig a few. Late potatoes are usually dug in August or early September. They keep in the garage or basement for several weeks in their natural dormancy. Store over the winter in a dark room at a temperature between 38? and 40?F with high humidity. Check periodically for spoilage. Temperatures below 38?F cause internal damage to the tubers. |
