Potato Harvest Storage

Curing Potatoes

• Freshly harvested potatoes must cure prior to storage; otherwise, they become prone to rot. Spread the potatoes out on a tarp in a shaded location outdoors or in a shed. Dry them for seven to 10 days. Potatoes cure best in humid weather and at temperatures near 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It's best not to wash potatoes --- instead, just brush the dried soil from them. If the potatoes are muddy, rinse them briefly to remove the majority of the mud. Dry the washed potatoes completely before storing them to prevent fungal or rot problems during storage.

Storage Packaging

• Shallow containers, including cardboard boxes or wooden crates, provide a suitable storage solution. Line the container with straw to cushion the potatoes and to allow air circulation around them during storage. Avoid placing too many potatoes in the container, as the weight from those near the top can damage the ones at the bottom. A layer two to three potatoes deep is sufficient. Cover the potato storage container with a piece of burlap to block light if light is a concern in your storage area.

Storage Location

• Any location that maintains temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and has moderate humidity provides a suitable potato storage area. Unheated basement rooms or garages, as long as they don't drop below freezing, work especially well. Direct light, both natural and artificial, causes potatoes to become green and inedible, so choose a dark storage area when possible. Do not store potatoes in the refrigerator, as temperatures are too cool. Warm locations, such as a pantry, only allow you to store the potatoes for a week or two before they begin to sprout.

Care

• Potatoes require minimal care if they're kept in the proper storage conditions. Inspect them once or twice monthly. Remove any from storage that begin to develop soft or rotten spots, or those that begin sprouting. Discard any that shrivel or turn completely green, as these are no longer fit for use. You can remove the soft spots or sprouts and use these potatoes immediately. Potatoes can remain in storage for up to eight months if the proper conditions are maintained.