Potato is a rather whimsical vegetable that reacts sensitively to improper storage conditions in the winter. The root crop does not like cold, heat; it is subject to decay under the influence of high humidity. You can find out how to store potatoes in the cellar and how to equip the necessary place for the harvest in the article below.
Room preparation
After collecting or buying the root crop, you need to take care of the place of its storage. It should be a dry, dark and cool room that does not give in to freezing. The best option for storing potatoes is a cellar or basement, the temperature in which remains virtually unchanged. The average storage temperature in winter should be from 2 to 4 degrees, while the humidity should not exceed 70%. To reduce dampness, rubble or pebbles are placed at the bottom of the cellar. If the room temperature is lower, the potatoes will begin to mold and fungus, then they will acquire a sweet aftertaste. If there is a window in the cellar, care must be taken to ensure that direct sunlight does not fall on the crop. If possible, the room should be ventilated periodically so that stagnant air and lack of ventilation also do not harm the potatoes. Successful storage of potatoes largely depends on careful preparation of the crop. Before laying the potatoes, they must be placed in the fresh air and dried well for several hours to avoid rotting and mold. It is worth mentioning that not every root variety is well and long stored. Mid-ripe (by no means overripe) and yellow varieties are best preserved. The potato harvested at the very end of autumn is filled with moisture, which quickly leads to decomposition and decay. Before laying, a careful selection of potatoes is made: they should be free from flaws and defects, about the same average size. It is not recommended to leave the fruits on the bare floor. There are several ways to store potatoes: in nets, in bags and crates.
Potato storage in nets
When the harvest room is ready, the question remains: how to store potatoes in the cellar in nets? This method is quite simple and effective. Before leaving the crop for storage, it is stored on pre-constructed boxes or pallets without being removed from the mesh bag.
The grid promotes free access and air circulation between tubers, which has a beneficial effect on potatoes, preventing various diseases from appearing. Straw is laid on top of the planted root, which retains heat and protects the tubers from frost. You can also lay beets in several layers on top of the crop. This storage method is considered to be short-term and is suitable for potatoes intended for everyday use.
Potatoes in bags
Speaking about how to store potatoes in the cellar in bags, it should be said that this is quite a convenient and most common method. Sacking warms well and protects vegetables from the cold. Also, it is a natural material that passes air well. Today, there are sealed paper bags, but they are less leaking air. In order to avoid damage to the lower layers of the potato, it is also necessary to install a pallet or other flooring under the bags, which protects the fruits from frost and decay. Filled bags are stacked on pallets in a circle or 5 pieces in a prone position up to 3 meters high. After that, vegetables can be covered with old blankets, sawdust or hay. If the shelf life is long enough, it is necessary to save a small space between the bags, thereby leaving room for air. It is very convenient to store the crop in bags if there is a need for its frequent unloading or loading. It is forbidden to store potatoes in plastic bags and bags in which there is little air. The fruits in such containers become wet and begin to rot.
Potato storage in bulk
Storage of potatoes in bulk includes several options: bulk and secluded method. The bulk method, when it comes to how to store potatoes in the cellar - in bags or in bulk - has been used since the time of the first delivery of potatoes to Europe. It is considered the simplest, easiest and cheapest option that does not require special skills and efforts. It is only necessary to pour potatoes 1-1.5 m in height and, covering, leave until eating or planting the crop. The disadvantages of this method include the difficulty of adjusting the temperature inside the potato heap, reaching a height of 1.5 m, and the large occupied area on which the potatoes are located. All of the above factors will provoke decay and the appearance of fungi, as a result of which it will be necessary to mix the crop into a new ventilated space. The secrecy storage method is used primarily to ensure the safety of fruits laid as seeds for next year. The layer of seed potatoes should not be higher than 80 cm or 1 meter so that the seeds can be easily ventilated and, if necessary, checked for safety, the presence of fungi and pathogens. As in the bulk method, there are drawbacks here: the crop takes up a lot of space, it is difficult to fall asleep, get it, and it is not known when it will begin to germinate. In this regard, it is also necessary to periodically check and measure the temperature inside the crop.
How to keep the crop in an unheated room?
Old cotton blankets will help answer the question of what to do and how to store potatoes in the cellar of an unheated garage. A bag, net or box with potatoes must be wrapped in several layers of old blankets, bedspreads and items unsuitable for the household. It is important that there are small openings that allow air to pass through. Many store vegetables in unheated garages and cellars, using a variety of wooden crates and boxes. The advantage of such storage is that the boxes can be divided into sections, sorting the potatoes by grade, size and purpose. In addition, the drawers are convenient to approach, they do not take up much space and are well ventilated. Potatoes in boxes are easy to transport and stack. There are also various electric appliances and light bulbs, with which you can save and heat vegetables, while avoiding high financial costs.
Conclusion
Finding out how to store potatoes in the cellar is a snap. The main thing is to periodically check the temperature and humidity in the room, as well as in time to combat pests, mold and fungi. Proper stacking, storage and observance of all precautions is the key to preserving potatoes whole, beautiful and unscathed!