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From: bermes@ihlpg.UUCP (Bermes)
Newsgroups: net.garden
Subject: Re: when to harvest potatoes
Message-ID: <2483@ihlpg.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 17-Sep-86 13:42:40 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihlpg.2483
Posted: Wed Sep 17 13:42:40 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 27-Sep-86 12:43:22 EDT
References: <7412LRL@PSUVM>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 15

> When is the proper time to harvest potatoes for storage?  I've heard that
> any time after the tops die is ok, also that you shouldn't leave them in
> the ground too long after the tops have died or they'll rot, and also that
> they're better after a frost.  I live in central Pennsylvania. The tops
> died about a month ago and we haven't had a frost yet.
>      

I start digging my potatoes when the plants start to flower. This is when
the potatoes are small, tender and buttery. These are called "new" potatoes.
I dig the potatoes as needed and dig the remaining ones before the ground
freezes. The only problem with this is if the fall is wet, there a better 
than good chance that the potatoes will rot.

				Happy eating,
				Terry Bermes