So you’ve got seven days to die and you’re wondering: How do I get potatoes in 7 Days to Die? There are a few things you can do to speed up this process. For starters, make sure your seed potatoes are clean. Once they are, you can plant them, apply fertilizer, harvest, and cure them. If you don’t have time for this, don’t worry, because we’ll cover the next two topics in this guide.
Table of Contents
Planting clean seed potatoes
It is important to cut the seed potatoes into pieces before planting. It is best to cut a seed potato into two or three pieces. Planting seed potatoes right after the last frost date will increase the risk of tuber rot. Allow the cut pieces to callus over for a day or two. Then, place them in a shallow box or shaded area for at least seven days. The seed potato will need a full seven days to grow.
When planting seed potatoes, place them about 8 to 14 inches apart. If you want to grow late variety potatoes, plant them between 30 and 36 inches apart. Add soil to the area as they grow. Do not water the potatoes until they are three to four weeks old. It is also important to water them well after planting. If they don’t sprout, you will have to replant them. After that, they should be allowed to grow to full maturity.
Applying fertilizer
The correct application of fertilizer to potatoes in the spring is crucial to success. Potatoes require a well-drained soil that is a few inches deeper than the seed piece. Apply one or two pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting bed and work it into the top 10 inches. Make sure to choose a well-drained soil that is slightly sandy. Potatoes need at least five to seven inches of depth, and they should not be planted directly on the surface of the soil.
If you do not plan to harvest your potatoes for the next few weeks, wait until they reach their maturity period. You should plant them at the right time so that the soil doesn’t become too wet. When you see the foliage change from green to yellow, it’s time to harvest the potatoes. After this point, the foliage no longer needs watering. It will also be ready to be dug up.
Harvesting
The first step in harvesting potatoes is to wait seven days until the plant starts to die. If you are harvesting potatoes for storage, you should harvest them when their foliage starts to yellow and die. Some late varieties will remain green for another week or two while early potatoes will start to die after their foliage falls. Waiting at least two weeks after the plant leaves the ground is also important because this time will give the tubers time to dry out and thicken the skin.
Waiting seven days before harvesting will ensure that your tubers are big enough for your cooking needs. When the foliage is dying, the plant’s energy is going to the tubers, which will eventually go dormant. Once you harvest potatoes after the plant has died back, they will have thick, dry skins and won’t peel during the process. In addition to avoiding this problem, you’ll be able to save them for storing, and you’ll get some extra veggies in the process.
Curing
To prevent rotting, potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place for seven days. Keep them out of the refrigerator, as the refrigeration converts starch into sugar. You can also store them in bushel baskets or cardboard boxes with ventilation holes. Do not pile the potatoes too deep, as this will encourage rot. Also, they should not be exposed to light, which could result in sprouting. After seven days, carefully inspect the potatoes for bruising and damage.
After harvesting your potatoes, prepare a dark, well ventilated area. Use a table or flat, dry surface. Once the area is dry, gently brush the potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Place them in the dark, covered space. Check them daily to ensure that they are not damaged. If any potatoes are damaged, discard them. Once they’re cured, they’ll be ready to eat!
Storing
When storing potatoes, make sure you avoid exposing them to excessive heat, light, or humidity. While a garage can be a good option, temperatures at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can cause potatoes to sprout or shrivel. Keeping potatoes in a dark, well-ventilated area will help extend their shelf life and prevent spoilage. Boxes made of cardboard are ideal storage containers because they protect the potatoes from light, but still allow air circulation.
When storing potatoes, it is best to keep them at a cool temperature, around 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Too warm or too cold can cause the potatoes to sprout, and too much moisture can cause them to turn green. Potatoes also need a moderate amount of humidity to prevent rot. A humidity of 95% is ideal. Adding a humidifier or using a large pan filled with water will help maintain a good humidity level.