Can potatoes survive winter in the ground?

Potatoes, if left in the ground in winter soil, cannot survive freezing; at temperatures below forty degrees Fahrenheit (four degrees centigrade), the tubers freeze and begin to rot. I have known entire crops to be lost when frost came unexpectedly. Even in the mildest spring with moderate frost, there are but few cases when I can thoroughly mulch a patch, with straw or whatnot, to more than delay a disaster; the rats and mice generally get hold of the buried treasure long before spring. To keep potatoes safe, always lift them before the first frost.

Harvests should be gathered at least 2 weeks before expected frost. A probe thermometer may be used to test soil temperature. As it approaches 45°F (7 °C), begin digging immediately. I use a garden fork and drive the prongs in about 10 inches from the plants. The soil is lifted very carefully to avoid running the prongs into any of the tubers. This work should be done in dry weather.

Potatoes should be cured properly before winter storage. Spread in single layers on screens. Keep at 60-65°F (15-18°C) and 85-90% humidity for two weeks. Use fans for circulation, but don't direct them at the potatoes; the air movement will be gentle enough to thicken the skins and seal minor cuts.

Store cured potatoes in a dark, preferably completely dark, location at a temperature of 40-45°F. (4-7 degrees C.), That is, in basements or a root cellar, supplied with ventilating openings. Do not store with potatoes, apples, or apricots, which emit gases that hasten ripening. Inspect once a month for soft spots. Remove the affected tubers immediately to prevent contamination.

Read the full article: How to Grow Potatoes: Essential Gardening Guide