Can potatoes stay in ground after plants die?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Potatoes may stay buried for a brief period after the plants die. Still, they become increasingly susceptible to risks with each passing day. Once, I left tubers buried for three weeks too long and lost them due to wireworm. Temporary underground storage is only possible under particular circumstances, which require vigilant monitoring.
Time Limits
- Maximum 2-3 weeks after complete plant die-back
- First week generally safe in dry conditions
- Beyond three weeks invites irreversible damage
Risk Factors
- Frost penetration below 28°F (-2°C)
- Soil moisture exceeding 40% causes rot
- Rodent and insect activity increases weekly
Protective Measures
- Cover planting area with straw mulch
- Install temporary wire mesh against rodents
- Monitor soil temperature with probes
Soil composition plays a major role in how long you can safely store produce in the ground. Sandy soils drain quickly, which reduces the risk of rot, while clay can retain moisture to an unsafe level. In my loamy garden, I find that two weeks is my maximum. Then, after a heavy rain, I have less than one week of safe storage, allowing time for a harvest.
More than calendars, the weather determines whether ground storage is dependable or not. All of a sudden, a late rain and frost chance throws everything out of the window. I use farming apps to track the forecast and set alerts for temperatures below freezing. I took the precaution last season, and it saved my crop.
If you see any signs of pests in the plants, harvest right away. Look for disturbances in the soil or biting marks on sample tubers. My rule of thumb: dig them out if in doubt. Cured potatoes store better than risky ground storage ever will.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Signs When to Harvest Potatoes
