Unearthing your potato harvest: How do you know when to dig?

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about harvesting potatoes, as a lot of gardeners aren’t quite sure when, exactly, to dig them up. And who could blame them? Size, scent and firmness inform the maturity of most fruits and vegetables, but our senses can’t help us here.

Dig potatoes too early, and you’ll harvest a measly crop of minuscule tubers. You’ll also risk stressing the plant and its precious root system, so although you could try replanting it, the plant might not thrive.

Wait too long, and your potatoes may get damaged by frost, or begin to sprout, crack or rot underground. It’s enough to drive you starch-raving mad!

To find the sweet spot, examine the above-ground portion of your plant. Stop watering when at least half of its leaves have turned yellow. This will typically occur between 60 and 120 days from planting, depending on potato variety