How to Know When Potatoes Are Ready to Harvest
Potatoes are a popular crop that can be grown in gardens, containers, and farms. Harvesting them at the right time helps ensure the best size, flavor, and storage quality. Learning how to know when potatoes are ready to harvest can help you avoid digging them up too early or leaving them in the ground for too long. The signs of readiness depend on whether you want new potatoes or fully mature potatoes for storage.
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Watch the Plant’s Foliage
One of the clearest signs that potatoes are nearing harvest is the condition of the plant’s leaves and stems.
As the potatoes mature, the foliage begins to yellow and die back.
- Look for yellowing leaves
- Notice when stems start drying out
- Monitor the plant regularly
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Harvest New Potatoes Earlier
If you prefer small, tender potatoes, you can harvest them before the plant fully dies back.
New potatoes are usually ready a few weeks after flowering.
- Check for flowers on the plants
- Gently dig around the roots
- Harvest small potatoes as needed
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Wait for Full Maturity for Storage Potatoes
Potatoes intended for long-term storage should remain in the ground until the foliage has completely died back.
This allows the skins to toughen.
- Wait until the tops have withered
- Allow skins to mature fully
- Avoid harvesting too early
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Test a Few Potatoes First
Before harvesting the entire crop, dig up one or two potatoes to check their size and skin condition.
This helps confirm that they are ready.
- Check the potato size
- Rub the skin gently with your thumb
- Harvest when skins remain firm
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Choose Good Harvesting Conditions
Harvest potatoes on a dry day when the soil is not excessively wet.
This helps reduce damage and improves storage quality.
- Use a garden fork carefully
- Avoid cutting the potatoes
- Let harvested potatoes dry before storage
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