Arctic Gardens: Harvesting potatoes

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Fall is getting ever nearer and this week on Arctic Gardens, we’re harvesting potatoes.

If you planted potatoes at the beginning of summer, the plants are likely on their last legs.

You’ll know when your potatoes are ready to harvest when the plant dies (or as you see in the video, when you need to do them for your schedule’s sake): The stalks will turn yellow and tip over.

For best results, if you have time, let the soil dry out a bit before digging. It makes the soil easier to dig and brush off lightly from the potatoes.

Be careful when digging your potatoes. The skin of the potato is quite thin and delicate at this stage, and if you damage the skin, it won’t store well long-term.

The potatoes you harvested are ready to eat right now, or let them dry, lightly brush off a little of the dirt, and store them in a cool, dry place.

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