This is our winter potato math: Our goal is to grow 75 pounds of potatoes for our family of three, enough to last through the winter. To make that happen, we built our own potato boxes, using leftover wood from past projects. We also planted seedlings from last year’s crop, which we dried and stored over the winter. If we don’t quite hit the 75-pound target, we supplement by buying from a local family farm during harvest season, when potatoes are at their freshest and the price is best.

Quick PSA: Non-organic potato farming involves some pretty harsh chemicals like insecticides (Neonicotinoids, Spinosads, Pyrethroids), fungicides (Copper-based, Chlorothalonil, Mancozebs), and herbicides (Glyphosate, Metribuzin). Potatoes are definitely part of the dirty dozen! If you’re trying to prioritize organic purchases, please, for your health, go for organic potatoes to avoid these carcinogens .

Now On To Some Tips for Storage:

Harvest at the right time: Wait until the potato plants have fully died back, and the skins have thickened.

Cure the potatoes: Let them rest in a dark, cool spot (60-65°F) for 1-2 weeks to toughen the skins for longer storage.

Remove dirt gently: Brush off excess dirt but avoid washing them before storing to keep them from spoiling.

Choose the right storage spot: Keep your potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area, ideally around 35-40°F. Avoid light to prevent sprouting.

Use breathable storage: Store them in burlap bags, mesh bags, or baskets to allow for good air circulation.

Check regularly: Inspect your potatoes every few weeks, removing any that are soft, sprouting, or starting to rot.

Thanks to careful planning, homemade potato boxes, and using last year’s seedlings, we hope our potato stock will last us all winter long!

With Bliss xo