Should I water potatoes before harvesting?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Before harvest, water management has a significant influence on the quality of potatoes and their storage ability. Stopping irrigation at the appropriate time increases skin hardness and prevents decay. My first harvest failed when I watered the potatoes too close to harvesting time. The muddy tubers rotted in less than a week. Timing is everything.
Timing Guidelines
- Irrigation cutoff: Stop watering 7-14 days before harvest
- Soil drying: Allow soil moisture to drop below 50% capacity
- Field test: Soil should crumble when squeezed
- Rain exception: Add dry days after unexpected rainfall
Emergency Scenarios
- Waterlogged soil: Harvest immediately regardless of maturity
- Heavy rain forecast: Cover plants with plastic sheeting
- Disease risk: Fungal infections increase in wet conditions
- Quality impact: Wet-harvested potatoes lose 40% storage potential
Dry soil conditions provide multiple advantages. Dry soil conditions offer numerous benefits. Dry soil conditions offer innumerable benefits. (These are four repeated points to emphasize). They create much firmer skins that will resist bruises during harvest. Dirt brushes off easily and won't cling to the tubers. Tubers cure faster with minimal risk of rot on exposed surfaces. I've measured 0.3mm thicker skins of potatoes harvested from dry soil conditions compared to those from wet soil conditions.
Do not harvest until three days after a good rain and a sunny day. Evaluate the moisture levels in the soil at a depth of 6 inches before digging. Use a moisture meter to get a more precise reading. I check multiple areas in my garden because the drainage varies a bit. Good timing protects your entire harvest investment.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Potatoes: 6 Key Signs
