I have a bumper crop of potatoes and squash this year. I've shared a lot of my crop but I also want to have them for the winter. I do not have a root cellar so I'm wondering how to store them without one. Last year I put them in crates with straw and stored them in the coolest part of our basement. Apparently my basement isn't very cool as the sweet potatoes and red onions rotted quickly. The rest of the squash lasted another month or so and the white variety potatoes all sprouted and got soft within 6 weeks! What am I doing wrong? All of my squash and potatoes are heirloom varieties and GMO free. I'd like to keep them as long as possible. I was also wondering if I should dehydrate the potatoes? Has anybody tried this?
I am dehydrating my potatoes. I do not have a cellar either.
I am dehydrating slices and hash browns.
I boil the potatoes until just cooked (not mushy) and cool over night in the fridge. I peel and slice or grate and dehydrate. I am storing them in canning jars with a coffee filter in between the jar and lid. I am storing them in a cool, dark cupboard.
Thanks for the idea. I am going to try that too. I've been cooking and freezing squash all winter instead of taking a chance on losing it to rot. Potatoes are next on my list. :)Kit
Put a couple of large coolers in the ground and put potatoes, winter squash, etc. in them. I would put something heavy on the tops to keep animals out. Read this in Mother Earth News. Hope this helps.
Sarah
Warmth of Friendship Necessary for Life
Farm Kitchen: storing the harvest without a root cellar?
storing the harvest without a root cellar?
Posted - Sep 28 2012 : 4:01:13 PM
