Potatoes Picking / Packing
Potatoes, known as the fourth largest root crop in the whole world, are becoming the number one vegetable crop that is being developed in European countries. While they are known to grow in developing countries and serve as the primary answer to food security and supply, its production quantity is set to double in the coming years, where the increase of population is concerned.
Australia may not be one of the top countries that grow potatoes, but that hasn’t stopped the country from producing high quality produce from their root crop business. In South Australia, their major growing regions include Murraylands with 41% production, Limestone Coast with 44% production and Northern Adelaide with 14% production.
Potatoes are fat free as well as cholesterol free when they are properly boiled. Its high fiber content and low salt is just a few of the reasons why it became a staple food for developing countries and trending through European countries. Most consumers prefer buying potato crops that are loose than those that have been washed and pre-packed for commercial sale. Potatoes are very cheap and easy to cook and they are available in 125 countries all over the world. In 2008, the value of the national potato crop in Australia reached $692 million and is expected to increase more in the coming years.
Potatoes can be planted in many different ways and they can also be homegrown using containers and layers of tyres. The success rate of potato planting is very high, regardless of where you choose to plant them. Its basic planting depth should be 13cm deep and mulch covered twice its depth. Cutting the crop into smaller pieces may increase its potential to rot and yield may not be that much. Allow the crop to dry for at least 24 hours before planting to reduce its risk of rotting especially in humid areas.
In Queensland, Australia, the best time to plant potatoes with good yield is from March to April. This is the time when the soil is mostly warm and pests are very minimal. In colder areas of Australia, potato planting can start during the spring time and continues through the summer season; however, it is during the season change that most diseases and pests occur. Southern Australia, being hailed as the largest producers of potato in the whole country has less than 1% unemployment rate and their produce are largely sold fresh 60% of the time.
Potatoes are considered ready for harvesting when most of its leaves or tops have withered. Depending on the variety, they are mostly ready 12 to 20 weeks from planting. If potatoes are stored for the long haul, they should be harvested when they are fully matured and should be dried and stored in a room temperature. Avoid exposing the crops from light as it may cause them to turn green and become poisonous. Green potatoes should not be eaten at all cost. If the harvest came from a certified seed potatoes, replanting it more than once may cause potato disease that is very hard to treat once it spreads through the garden.
