248 POTATOES 



185. Harvesting. Potatoes are harvested by fork, spade, 

 plow, or by the riding digger. As soon as early potatoes 

 are of marketable size they may be harvested. For the 

 late varieties it is well to wait until the vines are dead. 

 The tubers will then break off readily without rubbing. 

 Digging is best done when the soil is fairly dry, as less 



A GOOD POTATO CROP. 



dirt will cling to the tubers. They will then dry off 

 better, and hence be less likely to rot. 



186. Storing and Marketing. Good ventilation and a 

 cool temperature retard rotting. A common practice is 

 to store potatoes in the open in piles covered with straw 

 and soil, or in cellars. Either method may be good, 

 provided the proper conditions of temperature and 

 ventilation are secured. The temperature, however, 

 should not be allowed to fall below 33 F. It is wise 

 economy to use a thermometer in the potato room, and, 

 if necessary, to run an oil stove there during the coldest 

 nights. 



