When to dig up potatoes in 2020 according to the moon and how to best store them

To how to dig potatoes correctly In 2020, according to the lunar calendar, it's important to choose not only favorable dates but also consider a number of other factors. The region where the work is being carried out, the variety, and weather conditions all influence the timing. Therefore, it's important to understand all the nuances, accurately determine the harvesting time, and ensure the well-preserved potatoes.

Varietal characteristics

You can roughly estimate the harvesting time before planting; there are five varieties with different growing seasons. It's best to choose two or more varieties rather than just one, to spread out the harvesting period and ensure the tubers are well preserved before they are stored. Each type has the following characteristics:

1. Early-ripening varieties. Intended for immediate consumption, they typically last no more than a month. They are prized for their short ripening period, ranging from 40 to 60 days, the exact timing depending on weather conditions and precipitation.
2. Mid-early varieties begin harvesting after approximately 70 days. They are also best used within a month or two. They differ from the first variety in their higher yield and improved shelf life.
3. Mid-season varieties are one of the most common, growing within three months. They combine high yields, good shelf life, and excellent flavor. They are ideal for temperate climates, as they ripen quickly even in early autumn.
4. Mid-late. From planting to harvest, potatoes take 100 days. This variety is largely similar to the previous one, but due to the extended growing season, the yield is at least 10-15% higher. It is also well-suited for storage.
5. Late-ripening. This category includes all varieties with a growing season exceeding 100 days. These are typically the most productive, but are only suitable for southern regions and warmer temperate zones.

When planting, it's best not to mix varieties so you can easily identify which ones are growing where. This will simplify harvesting and allow you to leave bushes that still need to grow. Plant at the same time, regardless of ripening time, as their weather and soil requirements are always the same.

Growing region

Harvesting time also depends on this, as autumn cold spells arrive at different times, plus summer weather conditions vary greatly. Suitable periods for mid-early, mid-season, and mid-late varieties, as the most common and popular, are listed below. For early and late varieties, the timing should be calculated individually. The following are important considerations:

1. In the Moscow region and central Russia, harvesting takes place from late August to late September. This is usually the ideal time with good weather and favorable conditions. If prolonged rainfall is forecast, it's best to complete the harvest beforehand; otherwise, the tubers will become saturated with moisture and will have a much worse shelf life.
2. In Siberia, the Urals, and the Leningrad region, it's best to dig up potatoes in late August or early September. Follow the weather forecast to avoid over-harvesting. If there was a frost overnight, dig as soon as possible; frost damage will make the potatoes too sweet and they won't keep well.
3. In southern regions, the harvesting period shifts to mid-September or early October. However, it's also not a good idea to leave the tubers in the ground for too long, as this will impair both flavor and shelf life. You should rely on the ripening signs listed below.

When choosing a variety for planting, be sure to check whether it's zoned for your region. Choose only varieties that have passed testing; otherwise, you can't guarantee that the potatoes will grow and develop properly. If the summer season is short, avoid varieties that won't have time to ripen properly.

Best cleaning dates according to the lunar calendar

The easiest way to select favorable days for potato growing is by using a simple table that includes all the relevant dates. You won't have to study the entire calendar yourself, trying to figure out when to work and when to avoid it. On unfavorable dates, don't dig up the tubers if you're storing them; there are no restrictions for immediate use.

Adhering to the recommended planting dates improves the shelf life of potatoes, reduces tuber disease, and ensures good taste. The influence of the moon's phases should also be taken into account when planting, and favorable dates for planting should be chosen in the spring. If you can't perfectly hit the recommended planting dates, at least avoid unfavorable dates.

How to determine maturity

Potatoes need to be dug at specific times, when they're ripe but not yet spoiling. It's impossible to calculate the exact time; a rough estimate is based on the variety, and then several indicators should be followed. Proper field preparation is also important; this promotes better ripening and reduces the risk of late blight and other diseases. Keep the following in mind:

1. You can begin digging for food immediately after flowering. However, it's too early to harvest for storage. To determine the size of the tubers, dig up 2-3 plants in different locations on the plot. If all is well, dig up as many as needed and let the potatoes continue to grow, as this is the time when they absorb nutrients and strengthen their skins.
2. The tops of the potatoes begin to dry out during the ripening period. However, the above-ground portions are often affected by late blight and turn black; it's important to distinguish natural drying from fungal infection. Sometimes the stems and leaves are just beginning to yellow and dry, but harvest time has already arrived. To determine maturity, dig up 2-3 plants and try to separate the potatoes from the roots. Mature ones come off easily, while unripe ones cling tightly.
3. Take a tuber and rub it firmly with your finger. If the skin peels off easily, the tubers need more time for the skin to harden and harden. If harvested during this time, the harvest will not store well.
4. Two weeks before harvesting, be sure to remove the tops from the plot, even if they're not yet completely dry. Simply mow them, remove them from the field, and burn or dispose of them. This will prevent late blight and speed up ripening—after mowing, the skin hardens much faster and is less susceptible to damage.

The worst time to harvest is when the seed material has been mixed and some tubers are ready for harvesting, while others are not. Sort the potatoes, setting aside those with easily peeled skins to use first. Don't mix different varieties together.

Harvesting

To avoid damaging the potatoes and ensure their good preservation, follow simple guidelines. First and foremost, choose the optimal time—ideally, about a week without precipitation, with temperatures no higher than 25 degrees Celsius. Harvesting in hot weather will prevent any damage from healing, as the tubers don't produce the special substance that heals minor scratches. Dig as follows:

1. Remove all weeds from the surface, especially if there are many. It's also a good idea to loosen the soil a week beforehand; this will make digging easier and improve the corking of the peel.
2. When working manually, use a shovel, pitchfork, or a special three-pronged hoe. The latter two options are more convenient, as they cut less potatoes and allow for easier sifting of the soil. Always drive the tool in with some extra space, away from the bush, as the tubers can spread out up to 30 cm.
3. You can dig with a walk-behind tractor or mini tractor. In this case, it's important to adjust the equipment to the correct depth and row spacing to avoid cutting the tubers and leaving them in the ground. It's easiest to work every other row, avoiding crushing the potatoes on the surface.
4. A special harvester collects everything in a bin. The harvest is then transported to the plot, where all that remains is to sort it. Only well-ripened potatoes can be harvested this way, as they can bang against the conveyors; weak skins can cause extensive damage to the surface.

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When harvesting, immediately discard any rotten tubers and last year's seeds, which may sometimes remain; they are easily identified by their dark color. It's also best to set aside any severely damaged or cut tubers for later use. Try to remove any stuck-on soil, root debris, and other debris, as they may begin to rot.

Preparation and storage

Potatoes shouldn't be stored directly from the garden; a number of preparatory steps must be taken to extend the harvesting period. Skipping these steps is essential, as they can ruin a large portion of the harvest before spring. Follow these steps in the following order:

1. Sort the potatoes, immediately removing any small or damaged ones. Also, gather the required amount of planting material for next year and store it separately. Remove any questionable items, remembering that one tuber can spoil a dozen or more.
2. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a flat surface or plastic wrap and let it dry for 2-3 hours. The seed potatoes can be left under cover for a week to green up, which will improve their shelf life and kill most bacteria.
3. If you have space in a pantry or shed, spread the tubers out in a layer up to 40 cm thick. However, it's easier to store them in breathable bags or boxes. Leave them at a temperature of 13 to 20 degrees Celsius with humidity above 90% for two weeks. During this time, ripening will complete, and the skin will become even stronger.
4. Take the potatoes outside again and sort them again. Inspect the surface, removing anything that raises questions. Typically, any signs of rot will become apparent within two weeks, making it easy to pick out the affected tubers.
5. Place in a cellar or other location with a temperature of 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. Inspect periodically and remove anything that is beginning to spoil.

Don't forget to prepare the storage area. The room should be treated with a disinfectant or a sulfur candle burned inside to kill all germs and fungi. It's also advisable to spray the container and then dry it thoroughly in the sun, especially wooden items.

Mistakes during cleaning and storage

There are several common mistakes that lead to poor storage. If you make one of them, you can lose a third or more of your harvest. Don't immediately put the potatoes you buy into the bin; it's also a good idea to prepare them and at least carefully sort them; there are usually plenty of damaged tubers.

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The most common mistakes:

1. Harvesting too early. The skin doesn't have time to harden, and the metabolic processes inside the tuber are still ongoing. This reduces the shelf life, and damage heals much more slowly; often, even a small scratch causes rot.
2. Leaving potatoes in the ground for too long also causes them to spoil, as micropores allow infections to penetrate. And if it's damp outside, excess moisture causes the flesh to become watery, reducing flavor and shelf life.
3. Storing potatoes without proper preparation. If the harvest isn't dried and given two weeks to ripen, it won't keep very well, especially if the potatoes are dumped in a hole and buried until spring.
4. Improper storage conditions. This applies to temperature and humidity. If it's warm, the tubers will sprout. Excess moisture increases the risk of rot, while excessively dry air causes moisture loss, causing the surface to wrinkle.

If you dug in damp weather, it's especially important to dry the harvest thoroughly. To do this, spread it outside for 2-3 days for an hour and a half, turning it over if possible to ensure even drying.

Digging up potatoes correctly in 2020 won't be difficult if you follow all the recommendations and the lunar calendar. It's crucial to check the maturity level beforehand and mow and remove the tops from the plot two weeks before harvesting to speed up ripening and prevent late blight.