5 Main Rules For Successful Potato Wintering. Optimal Storage Conditions. Photo

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5 Main Rules For Successful Potato Wintering. Optimal Storage Conditions. Photo
5 Main Rules For Successful Potato Wintering. Optimal Storage Conditions. Photo

Video: 5 Main Rules For Successful Potato Wintering. Optimal Storage Conditions. Photo

Video: 5 Main Rules For Successful Potato Wintering. Optimal Storage Conditions. Photo
Video: Safe Potato Storage 2024, March
Anonim

We constantly hear that only the “correct” potatoes are well stored. But even if you grow a variety suitable for long-term storage and carefully sort the tubers before laying in the cellar, you will not be successful without observing the basic rules for storing root crops. To preserve the potato harvest not only until March, but also as much as necessary (up to a new harvest), you need to know the 5 main rules for storing potatoes.

5 main rules for successful wintering of potatoes
5 main rules for successful wintering of potatoes

1. Careful preparation of the storage area

Not everyone can boast of having a special storage space for potatoes. But regardless of where exactly the potatoes will be stored (in the cellar, basement, on the balcony in an insulated box, in a pit with boards laid on the bottom, in a pantry), the place must be prepared in advance.

An approximate list of things to do to prepare the storage space for root crops and the potatoes themselves looks like this:

  • thorough cleaning of surfaces and storage containers from dust and debris, if necessary - whitewashing and painting;
  • disinfecting treatment of walls, containers, shelves and stands with disinfectants. If earlier there were signs of rot and mold in the boxes of the cellar or basement, disinfection is complemented by treatment with special preparations or fumigation;
  • thorough ventilation of the potato storage area after processing;
  • checking the operation of ventilation systems;
  • additional drying of the potatoes themselves - a leader for 3-4 hours in fresh air immediately before laying;
  • ensuring the ability to store potatoes intended for sowing and food separately from each other, with the division of each "category" into varieties;
  • preparation of materials for additional wrapping, warming or pouring of potatoes;
  • preparation of moisture-absorbing materials and fabric bags with dried herbs or leaves with phytoncidal properties to prevent the spread of rot and diseases. Pouches with mountain ash, wormwood, fern, and snow can simply be laid out between layers of potatoes or placed side by side;
  • observance of all the rules for laying potatoes for storage: without sudden jumps in temperature, with a transition period after drying and a gradual decrease in temperature at the storage site until optimal performance is achieved.
Regardless of where exactly the potatoes will be stored, the place must be prepared in advance
Regardless of where exactly the potatoes will be stored, the place must be prepared in advance

2. Optimal temperature

Potatoes must be stored in a frost-free room. A fall below 0 is unacceptable for potatoes. And the more stable the temperature, the closer it is to the ideal (about 2-3 degrees Celsius), the better the harvest will be stored. Sudden temperature changes affect potatoes even worse than stable, but higher temperatures. Any jumps should be mitigated by additional cover or ventilation.

The most dangerous time for temperature surges is the beginning and end of the potato storage period. If you isolate vegetable stores too early, tightly close the cellars, basements, boxes before the onset of persistent frosts outside and the optimum temperature inside is reached, problems cannot be avoided.

If the temperature in the potato storage rises above 5 degrees, there is an increased risk of accelerated germination and decay, the storage period is reduced to several months.

For certain varieties, especially the more boiled ones, very strict temperature indicators are recommended. But if the temperature in the storage place of potatoes remains within the range from 1 to 5 degrees, then this will be quite enough for the safety of any variety.

To control the temperature, thermometers must be installed, allowing timely measures to be taken, better - in several places and at different heights.

Stored potatoes should be kept in containers or boxes with evenly spaced ventilation holes
Stored potatoes should be kept in containers or boxes with evenly spaced ventilation holes

3. Air access

Air circulation, normal ventilation of the premises and air access even to the lower layers of potatoes are one of the most important conditions for their successful preservation. Potatoes must "breathe" - kept in containers or boxes with evenly spaced, multiple vents to allow free air flow.

It is necessary to provide a sufficient distance between the shelves or drawers, from the walls and the floor - at least 20 cm. To do this, you can install the drawers on supports. Covering potatoes with additional insulation is possible only with "breathing" materials like burlap or other breathable fabrics. But that's not all.

The room in which potatoes are stored must be well ventilated. Air access, exhaust vents, ventilation systems must be thought out at the initial stage of the construction.

Airing should be carried out regularly, controlling the temperature and avoiding the accumulation of excess moisture inside. Dampness is no less dangerous enemy of stored potatoes than high temperatures.

Special moisture meters are ideal for maintaining the correct storage mode at humidity from 85 to 90% with possible fluctuations up to 70-95%. It is this moisture that allows the tubers not to wrinkle and retain their taste characteristics without becoming covered with condensation.

Regular ventilation is usually sufficient to control humidity. If the humidity is too high, install additional ventilation, boxes or containers with coal, salt, and other moisture-absorbing components. In rooms with extremely high humidity, potatoes are often stored with beets, covered with several layers of root vegetables on top.

4. Protection from light

Potatoes should be stored in complete darkness. Light insulation is required regardless of the way and place of storage of potatoes. If the room in which the potatoes are stored is brightly lit (for example, a balcony, garage or loggia), you need to additionally cover the potatoes with special shields or opaque materials. When doing this, make sure that the air circulation is not affected. Even a simple cover with burlap is a measure that will save potatoes from timely germination and spoilage.

Frequent crop inspections and monitoring of the condition of stored potatoes will allow for additional protection measures
Frequent crop inspections and monitoring of the condition of stored potatoes will allow for additional protection measures

5. Constant control

It is no coincidence that potatoes need to be so carefully selected before storage: sorting allows you to exclude the ingress of even one damaged potato, which will quickly start to deteriorate. Only potatoes in perfect condition can be stored, and even more so for a long time.

Frequent, or better weekly, harvest inspections and control of the condition of stored potatoes will allow time to adjust conditions and take additional protection measures. Timely selection of damaged or starting to rot potatoes will exclude large losses.

In case of any, even a slight defeat by rot, it is necessary to remove and select not only spoiled, but also neighboring root crops.

When checking the potatoes, it is worth making sure that the temperature, humidity and protection from light meet the optimal conditions. Controlling the temperatures indoors with potatoes should be regular. Extraneous odors, the appearance of midges indicate the need to examine the tubers more carefully.

You should always have:

  • containers for spoiled potatoes and root crops, which need to be eaten faster;
  • pre-prepared materials for additional insulation - nonwovens, straw, burlap, old blankets, etc.

If there is the slightest risk of hypothermia, it is better to cover the potatoes with breathable, but insulating materials.

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