There are various reasons why seed potatoes are kept in the winter quarters. If it is a question of rare and old varieties, storage makes sense. If you are aiming for a large harvest, you can save a lot of costs by using your own harvest potatoes.
Seed potatoes should be stored in a dark and cool place
What seed potatoes need
Constant ambient conditions are of great importance during storage. Potatoes breathe and heat up, which a low temperature prevents. If it is too warm, they break down reserve substances. They sprout prematurely and develop long, thin shoots. Pathogens find better survival conditions. Frost also damages the vegetables. In addition, damp conditions should be avoided because they favor the development of rotting processes. If the air in the room is too low, the seed potatoes will dry out.
This is optimal:
- temperature: between two and four degrees
- humidity: at least 80 percent
- light: dark conditions
Store in bucket
Put a layer of quartz sand ($15.85) in a large bucket to protect the seed potatoes from the cold floor. Place a few seed potatoes next to each other loosely without touching them. Layer the stuffing alternately with the potatoes in the jar. The last layer forms the substrate. Place the container in a dark and frost-free place. The sand prevents excessive water loss, so you can also choose a drier basement room as a winter quarters.
fridge
Small amounts are recommended for storage in a slightly damp kitchen towel. Place the packets in a refrigerator that you don't otherwise use. Here you can ensure optimal temperature conditions. Storage in the kitchen fridge is not ideal because it is used every day. When the door is opened, the temperature in the interior fluctuates and condensation forms.
egg cartons
This variant requires good knowledge of room temperature and humidity, because unfavorable conditions can quickly lead to problems. An egg carton offers a hands-free storage option. The material absorbs water and prevents the potatoes from rotting. A placement in a dark and cool basement room is recommended. If low room temperatures above zero degrees are guaranteed, it is theoretically possible to store the boxes in the light and airy garden shed. The risk of rotting is low here. However, the tubers can easily dry out.