CHAPTER XII 

 HARVESTING 



Digging. — Early potatoes may be dug as soon as 

 large enough. For late varieties which are to be 

 stored it is necessary to wait until the tubers have at- 

 tained full size, the haulm and leaves have died, the 

 tubers come freely from the stem and have not to be 

 jerked off, and the skins are firm and will not come 

 off easily when rubbed. If the vines have been de- 

 stroyed by blight the potatoes should not be dug until 

 at least ten days after the vines are dead, as there is 

 then less liability of rot in storage.' If frost sets in 

 early and the growing season has been late, it may be 

 necessary to dig before the potatoes are quite mature. 

 In this case the shrinkage in weight, if stored, will be 

 greater than if thej^ had matured, and a reasonable offer 

 for them straight from the field should not be declined. 

 For storage, potatoes must be dug when dry, picked 

 up at once, and kept cool. If possible, haul to some 

 cool place at once, and let them cool all night before 

 placing in storage. This is impossible where large 

 quantities are grown, and in such cases good ventila- 

 tion of the storage-place must be given to reduce th'; 

 temperature as quickly as possible. 



Methods of Digging.— i. By Fork, Spade, or 

 Potato-hook. — The early potatoes are often dug by 

 hand because they are so easily injured. The skin is 



1 Vt. Bui. io6, p. 233. 



143 



