What tools prevent damage during potato harvesting?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Using appropriate tools allows for reducing damage to the potatoes during harvest and preserving months of labor in the garden. Equipment specially designed to harvest potatoes gently reduces bruising and exposure to sunlight, which can lead to spoilage and loss of quality. I learned the hard way when I used regular garden tools and we lost 20% of our crop. Harvesting with the right tools increases efficiency and quality of tubers.
Digging Equipment
- Rounded-tine forks: Prevent tuber piercing (insert at 45° angle)
- Trenching shovels: Create access trenches without disturbing tubers
- Soil knives: Cut stubborn roots cleanly without jerking motions
- Tool maintenance: Sharpen blades before harvest to reduce force needed
Protective Gear
- Nitrile gloves: Block solanine absorption from green potatoes
- Harvest aprons: Hold 10-15 pounds while blocking sunlight
- Knee pads: Enable comfortable ground-level work for careful retrieval
- Sun-blocking hats: Prevent premature greening during collection
The quality of one's technique is equally important as the choice of tools. Always insert digging forks at least a foot away from plant stems to avoid penetrating the tubers. Wiggle the tool in rather than picking it straight up. I work in a clockwise manner, spiraling from outside to the center, to avoid stomping on potatoes.
Transporting tools maintains quality following the dig. Garden carts, with pneumatic wheels, will cushion tubers along rough paths. Padded containers, not buckets, minimize bruising. I line my cart with foam mats for added protection. Processing potatoes within two hours after harvest will help maintain their fresh quality.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Potatoes: 6 Key Signs
