How to store potatoes to prevent them from sprouting: an interesting life hack

The season has been successful — the potatoes have grown well, so it's time to think about their proper storage. If you have a cool room at the ready, such as a cellar or basement, you usually don't encounter any problems. However, storage in an apartment or on a balcony can lead to rot and sprouting.

Experienced gardeners reassure us that there is a simple and effective life hack that will significantly extend the shelf life of potatoes. Read the OBOZREVATEL article to find out what to put in the tubers so that they don't start sprouting.

The ideal temperature for storage

A cool, dark, dry room will be most favorable for potatoes. The temperature should be 4-5 °C, and the humidity should not exceed 80%.

Under these conditions, the tubers will not germinate, freeze, or turn green, and thus will last until next spring.

To prevent potatoes from sprouting

Sour apples and a lemon can help prevent potatoes from sprouting. Simply put a few apples or one lemon in the box, and the tubers will not develop new sprouts until the next season. It is important to make small punctures in the lemon before putting it in with the potatoes.

This way, you can store potatoes even in a warm room.

How to store potatoes

It is important to sort through the potatoes beforehand to get rid of rotten, green, and cut tubers — they are the most common causes of spoilage.

Potatoes do not like to be placed next to other vegetables, but there is an exception. The best neighbor for a tuber is beetroot. This vegetable absorbs moisture well and will not allow potatoes to rot or sprout.

Put the potatoes in wooden boxes or linen bags. The room should be well-ventilated. Make sure that the potatoes are not exposed to sunlight; otherwise, the tubers will turn green, and they cannot be eaten due to the presence of solanine, a dangerous toxic substance.

If you are storing potatoes on the balcony, you should cover them with a blanket and place the bags and boxes 20 cm off the floor.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you how to properly store the harvested cabbage so that it lasts until spring.

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