potato Harvesting
how are potatoes harvested:
The time potato tubers take to reach maturity is variable and depends on the variety being although it is usually about 2-3 weeks after the plants have bloomed. All tubers should be harvested when the vines have died or before a frost which will kill the plants.
Harvest the tubers by gently digging them up with a fork or with your hands if the soil is loose enough. Harvesting is easier when the soil is dry. Do not wash the tubers prior to storing.
irish potato farming:
Seed potatoes and pieces can be planted 0-2 weeks after the last frost or as soon as the soil is workable in early Spring bearing in mind that the plants will be killed by a frost.
Prepare soil for planting by working in compost or well-rotted manure. Potatoes are commonly grown in hilled rows. This involves digging shallow trenches 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) apart after the addition of the compost or manure.
Space the seed pieces 30 cm (12 in) apart and cover with 7.5 cm (3 in) of soil. When the plants reach approximately 25 cm (10 in) in height mound the soil up around the stems of the plants so that they are covered up to about half of their height.
This protects shallow tubers from turning green from exposure to sunlight. Allow the plants to grow another 25 cm (10 in) and again mound the soil.
Continue this process for the duration of the crops growth. Straw can be used around the plants instead of soil which eliminates the need to dig for the tubers but care must be taken to add fresh the straw regularly as it will break down over time. Alternatively, potatoes can be grown in containers
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