Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer valuable advice for home gardeners looking to grow and harvest potatoes successfully.
From ideal harvest times to tackling common issues, here are the top tips:
1. Harvesting: Choose between new potatoes, small and immature, or fully mature potatoes. New potatoes are ready when plants are green and tubers are over 1 inch in diameter. For storage, wait until vines have died, and the skin on tubers rubs off easily. Cure at 50-60°F, 85-90% humidity for two weeks, then store at 40°F, 90-95% humidity.
2. Controlling Colorado Potato Beetles: Hand-pick beetles, eggs, and larvae as the first line of defense. Row covers can exclude beetles. Insecticides are tricky due to resistance, so timing and proper coverage are crucial. Organic pesticides like Spinosad and neem work on young larvae.
3. Preventing Knobby Potatoes: Ensure consistent soil moisture by watering weekly during dry periods.
4. Addressing Rough Patches: Rough, corky patches on tubers are caused by potato scab due to Streptomyces scabies bacteria. Plant certified, disease-free potatoes, choose scab-resistant cultivars, and rotate potato placement every 3-4 years.
5. Avoiding Green Tubers: Exposure to light causes chlorophyll formation, resulting in green tubers with a bitter taste. Peel and discard green portions. Hill soil around potato plants to prevent light exposure, and store harvested potatoes in a dark location.
6. Understanding Potato Fruits: The small green objects resembling miniature tomatoes are the true fruits of potato plants. They are not edible and contain solanine, a poisonous alkaloid. These fruits are not useful for planting purposes, as potatoes don't reproduce true from seed.
By following these expert tips, home gardeners can grow a bountiful and healthy potato harvest with ease.
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Categories: Iowa, Crops, Harvesting, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety