How to store potatoes in a cellar: in nets, sacks, loose

Potatoes are a rather whimsical vegetable that reacts sensitively to improper storage conditions in the winter. Root crop does not like cold, heat, it is exposed to rotting under the influence of high humidity. You can find out how to store potatoes in the cellar and how to equip the necessary place for the harvest in the article below.

Preparation of premises

After collecting or buying root vegetables, you need to take care of the place of storage. This should be a dry, dark and cool room that does not freeze. The best option for storing potatoes is a cellar or a cellar, the temperature in which practically does not change. The average storage temperature in winter should be from 2 to 4 degrees, while the humidity should not exceed 70%. To reduce the dampness on the bottom of the cellar littered rubble or pebbles. If the air temperature in the room is lower, the potatoes will begin to become covered with mold and fungus, then acquire a sweet taste. If there is a window in the cellar, care must be taken so that direct sunlight does not fall on the crop. If possible, the room should be ventilated periodically so that stagnant air and lack of ventilation also do not damage the potatoes. The successful storage of potatoes largely depends on careful preparation of the crop. Before you lay the potatoes, it must be placed in the fresh air and dried for several hours to prevent decay and the appearance of mold. It is worth mentioning that not every root variety is kept well and long. The most well-preserved are the medium-ripened (in no case ripe) and yellow varieties. Potatoes collected at the very end of autumn are filled with moisture, which will quickly lead to decomposition and decay. Before packing, a careful selection of potatoes is made: they must be free from defects and defects, approximately of the same average size. It is not recommended to leave the stored fruit on the bare floor. There are several ways to store potatoes: in meshes, in bags and boxes.

Potato storage in grids

When the premises for harvest are ready, it remains to decide the question: how to store potatoes in a cellar in grids? This method is simple enough and effective. Before leaving the crop for storage, it is stored on pre-built boxes or pallets, without removing it from the net-bag.

The grid facilitates free access and circulation of air between the tubers, which has a beneficial effect on potatoes, not allowing various diseases to appear. The top of the laid root is laid with straw, which preserves heat and protects the tubers from frost. Also, over the crop, you can lay the beets in several layers. This method of storage is considered short-term and suitable for potatoes intended for everyday use.

Potatoes in bags

Speaking about how to store potatoes in a cellar in bags, it should be said that this is quite a convenient and most common method. Sacking warms well and protects vegetables from cold. Also it is a natural material, good air-permeable. Today, there are compacted paper bags, but they are less air-permeable. To avoid damage to the lower layers of potatoes under the bags, it is also necessary to install a pallet or other flooring, which protects the fruits from frost and decay. Filled bags are stacked on pallets in a circle or 5 pieces in a lying position up to 3 meters high. After that, vegetables can be covered with old blankets, sawdust or hay. If the storage period is long enough, it is necessary to keep a small space between the bags, thus leaving room for air to enter. It is very convenient to store the harvest in bags if there is a need for its frequent unloading or loading. It is forbidden to store potatoes in plastic bags and bags, in which there is little air. Fruits in this container become wet and begin to rot.

Storage of potatoes in bulk

Storage of potatoes in bulk includes several options: a bulk and secluded method. Bulk way, when it comes to how to store potatoes in the cellar - in bags or loose - is used since the first importation of potatoes to Europe. It is considered the most simple, easy and cheap option, which does not require special skills and efforts. It is only necessary to pour the potatoes 1-1.5 m high and, having covered, leave until the moment of eating or planting the crop. The drawbacks of this method include the difficulty of adjusting the temperature inside the potato heap, reaching a height of 1.5 m, and the large occupied area on which the potatoes are located. All of the above factors will provoke decay and the appearance of fungi, due to which it will be necessary to mix the crop to a new ventilated space. The secret method of storage is used primarily to ensure the preservation of fruit, laid down as a seed for the next year. The layer of seed potatoes should not be above 80 cm or 1 meter, so that the seeds can easily be ventilated and, if necessary, checked for safety, the presence of fungi and pathogens. As in the bulk method, there are disadvantages: the harvest takes up a lot of space, it is difficult to fall asleep, get it, and it is not known when it will start to germinate. In connection with this, it is also necessary to periodically check and measure the temperature inside the crop.

How to save the crop in an unheated room?

To answer the question what to do and how to store potatoes in the cellar of an unheated garage, old quilts will help. A sack, mesh or box with potatoes must be wrapped with several layers of old blankets, bedspreads and things unsuitable in the household. It is important that there are small openings that let in air. Many store vegetables in unheated garages and basements, using a variety of wooden boxes and boxes. The advantage of this storage is that the boxes can be divided into sections, sorting potatoes by grade, size and purpose. In addition, the boxes are convenient to approach, they do not take up much space and are well ventilated. Potatoes in boxes are easy to transport and lay. There are also various electrical appliances and light bulbs with which you can store and heat vegetables, while avoiding large financial costs.

Conclusion

Finding out how to store potatoes in the cellar is not a difficult matter. The main thing is to periodically check the temperature and humidity in the room, and also in time to fight pests, mold and fungi. Proper stacking, storage and compliance with all precautions - the guarantee of preserving the potato whole, beautiful and unharmed!