When to Harvest Potatoes

Potatoes are some of the easiest vegetables you can grow in your garden. They require simple conditions, which you can easily establish in some raised garden beds. However, that still means we should look after our crops and provide them with the care they need. You will see your potatoes grow and flourish when you ensure they are fertilized, cultivated, and watered. And, just then, you will ask yourself when it is the right time to harvest potatoes.

Knowing essential facts about growing potatoes and learning to spot the harvesting times lets us know when they are ready. With that said, there are several things we should keep in mind. By taking the proper steps, the growing conditions will be ideal, and we can easily harvest potatoes.

How Long Do Potatoes Take to Grow?

Since there are different potato varieties, there are different growth periods. Typically, most varieties take between 90 and 120 days to fully grow. Some potato types, such as the Yukon gold, grow in 75 days. This means we simply need to grow our veggies for about two months and a half. On the other hand, there are potato varieties, such as the russet potato, which require 135 days to grow.

When growing potatoes and similar vegetables, patience is of utmost importance. Potatoes grow underground, meaning they need time to form roots in the soil. Then, they grow numerous stems until they are ready to be harvested. Knowing this, we shouldn’t rush to harvest potatoes. Instead, we should let them take their time so they can provide us with the biggest treat!

3 Signs That Tell You Your Potatoes Are Ready for Harvesting

As previously mentioned, the time for growing potatoes varies between species. However, we should account for the fact that our garden environment will affect the growth period. In other words, our yard’s condition may dictate that the vegetables grow slower or faster. That is why learning to recognize the signs that tell you the right time to harvest potatoes is essential.

We have included three common signs that your potatoes are ready in planter boxes. These are easy to spot, so you do not have to worry if this is your first time growing vegetables in your garden.

1. Check The Growing Information of Your Seeds 

The first thing we should do is check the information on the growth of our seeds. This is usually provided by the company from which we purchase the seeds. Different types of potatoes take different amounts of time to grow, so it is important to know when to harvest them.

Keep in mind that the harvest time given is based on ideal growing conditions. As the clock is ticking away to harvest potatoes, start looking for a couple of signs that it is time to harvest. In other words, you cannot always rely on the exact timing given by the seed company. This is where your gardening skills need to show. Plus, learning the signs will let you improve! 

2. Check The Color of The Leaves 

Every plant experiences color changes. Potatoes usually change the color of their leaves. When the leaves start changing color, it means it is almost time to dig up our buried treasures!

When the potato plant's leaves turn brown, dry out, and start dropping toward the ground, it is finished. Just wait for the leaves to completely die back before harvesting. If the plants' leaves are turning dull, bending over, and feeling dry, the potatoes are just a few weeks away from being ready to harvest. Moreover, this is the time to stop watering them so they can toughen up before harvesting. But if the leaves are still bright green and standing upright, you still have some time before your potatoes are ready.

This is a clear sign that it is time to dig up your potatoes. It is easy to recognize, so you will not have any issues spotting it.

3. Pay Attention to The Potato Skin 

The remarkable thing about growing potatoes is that we can actually dig a few up, see if they are ready, and then cover them back up with dirt if they need more time. If they are in the ground, we need a big shovel or pitchfork to harvest them. However, if they are in a container or grow bag, we can just use our hands to pull them up, especially if the plant is still in good shape.

We cannot only rely on potato size and color to ensure we harvest potatoes properly. Therefore, give those spuds a gentle poke to check for thick, firm skin. If the skins are too delicate and rub off easily, they are ready for harvesting but not storage. We can harvest them and eat them right away. However, if we intend to store them, we should wait another week or so. 

When to Harvest Sweet Potato?

While sweet potatoes have a different taste and color from regular potatoes, they have similar care requirements. They usually take between 85 and 120 days to grow fully. Moreover, they grow the most in size towards the end of the season, even after the leaves start turning yellow. So, it is best not to harvest them too early. 

The perfect time for harvesting sweet potatoes is in the fall when the weather gets cooler and the vines wither. Try to harvest them before the first fall frost hits because while a light frost usually will not harm the roots, a hard frost could damage the roots near the soil surface.

Also, we should consider that sweet potatoes are generally more delicate, so be careful not to bruise them during harvesting. Finally, remove the vines two or three days before the harvest to avoid hurting them. 

Conclusion

Potatoes are vegetables that can easily grow in our home gardens, and we do not need any special conditions. However, we should learn how to properly harvest potatoes so you can end up with the produce you have worked for during the growing season. For more gardening advice, please check out our other blogs.