Nowadays, there are many ways to store potatoes. In an advantageous position there are people who have their own land or private houses, where potatoes are much easier to keep.
In order for the tubers to last intact until the spring itself, it is necessary to follow only a few rules and the most important is the storage temperature. Consider at what temperature and how to store vegetables.
Optimum temperature conditions
Ideally, the temperature at which you can store the harvest of potatoes should be + 2 ... + 4 degrees. Only within such a framework, the tubers will stand for a long time and will not lose their vitamins and trace elements.
After the potatoes have been dug, they need to be prepared for acceptable temperatures. This process is called the cooling period. It is necessary to gradually reduce the temperature at the place of storage of potatoes. Daily reduce costs by 0.5 degrees. This cooling procedure takes about 12-15 days.
In the conditions of a large potato storehouse, the temperature regime can be maintained with an accuracy of a degree, but at the dacha natural conditions will help: in 2 weeks the temperature will practically go down by itself - autumn is outside. When the required + 2 ... +4 degrees are reached, physiological and biochemical processes will stop inside the potato. After that, the tubers are ready for long-term storage.
With how many degrees does the root crop freeze?
The vegetable is very detrimental to minus temperature.. At 0 degrees, starch is converted to sugar. Therefore, the potato becomes sweet and sluggish.
Important! If the temperature drops even lower, for example, to -1, then the tubers do not stand it and simply freeze. Such a product can no longer be stored further and will have to be disposed of.
How does the shelf life of a vegetable depend on the temperature?
Temperature has a direct effect on the shelf life of tubers. If you follow the recommendations and keep the potatoes in the optimal temperature for him, then the vegetable can easily lie until spring.
Poorly affected by the increase in the minimum recommended temperature threshold: sprouts appear and potatoes fade (about possible problems during storage of potatoes and how to solve them in a separate article). A lowering leads to its freezing. Especially careful you need to be in the spring, because the tubers begin to germinate buds and to retard growth, the temperature is deliberately lowered by 2-3 degrees lower than during the main storage period. With the help of such effects on potatoes, it can be saved until the beginning of May.
How to create the necessary conditions?
In the cellar
To ensure proper temperature in order to properly store vegetables in the cellar, you need to take care of thermal insulation.
- The door to the basement should provide protection from cold and heat.
- All the cracks and cracks, it is necessary to cover up, to avoid drafts.
- Walls and ceiling should be insulated with foam.
On the balcony
In a residential environment, the best place for him would be a glazed balcony or loggia. For storage of potatoes in the loggia, it will be enough to put the tubers in insulated boxes. There, the temperature will remain at the desired level.
The balcony will have to be slightly equipped so that the vegetable does not freeze in the cold, because even in a glazed version, the cold will go inside.
- Just like in the basement you need to close all the cracks.
- Windows can be sealed so that cold air does not leak out.
- Insulated boxes are often crafted.
- In case the balcony after all these procedures is still too cold, use a heater.
In the garage
Potatoes are often carried in garages in winter.. However, there are some drawbacks and the most important is the inability to regulate the temperature, if the garage is not equipped with a heating system. In order for the vegetable to stand for the entire winter period, it will be necessary to warm the room.
- Gates to the garage should not let the cold through.
- Walls can be insulated with foam.
- The best solution for storing potatoes in the garage will be the creation of special insulated boxes under it. Such boxes are made of wood, metal, plywood and the use of floor heating systems.
What else needs to be done to save potatoes for a long time?
In order for the potatoes to lie through all winter and be edible, it is necessary to adhere to some rules of storage.
- Before laying it should be slightly dried and bruised. Damaged tubers or green-stained tubers should not enter the total mass.
- In the room where the vegetable is located, the optimum humidity should be 80-85%, temperature + 2 ... +4 degrees. There should be no holes and crevices. Be sure to need ventilation.
In more detail about the necessary conditions for the storage of potatoes in the winter, we wrote here.
In the storage of this vegetable is nothing complicated. One need only remember some recommendations and adhere to the optimum temperature..
