Potatoes take around 80-120 days to get
ready for pickings. And if you’re seeing those yellow vines and browning it
should be your actual clue that they are ready.
Potatoes can be plucked by hands or
by use of a shovel. You can also use a harvester if the field is immense and
the job is too much for human hands. But in case you decide to use manual
tools, go for pitchfork.
By Tools
·
When harvesting the plants manually
using a tool, keep the instrument a few inches apart from the row.
·
Start digging at a vertical angle. Next,
lean on the tool to uncover the plant safely.
·
Get all the potatoes the same way, or
as much as you like.
By Hands
·
If the task is manageable by hands,
then slide your hand inside the field up to the palm.
·
Run your hand in 5 inches diameter
to check if you’ve picked them up cleanly.
·
Clear the tubers as they may
interfere with the crops next season and hamper the efficient growth.
The prerequisite for efficient
farming is a sunny morning. Other helpful tips include brushing the dirt and
leaving potatoes in the sun to dry them off.
Note that potatoes can be preserved
by leaving them underground. If you do not need all of those potatoes, leave
them underground and come back later when you do.
Whatever you do, do not pick them
too early or you’ll get those fingerling potatoes.
