As an experienced nurseryman and landscaping partizan , I can supply you with some worthful insights on whether it is safe to leave potatoes in the ground during a freeze . Potatoes are indeed susceptible to damage from freezing temperature , but the extent of the price depends on various gene . Let ’s explore this issue in point .
Firstly , it ’s crucial to understand that the leafage of potato plant is not frost resistant . If the above - ground parts of the plant are exposed to freezing temperatures , they will likely hurt wrong or even die . Therefore , it is broadly recommended to reap the murphy before the first frost reach in colder regions .
However , when gardeners ask whether Irish potato are icing large-minded , they are often refer to the tubers themselves , which are the eatable part of the plant . In this sense , the Tuber are comparatively frost tolerant , but only if they are completely buried in the background . This is because the soil acts as an insulating layer , protect the Irish potato from direct picture to freezing temperature .
When the tubers are buried in the grease , they can tolerate temperature as low-spirited as 28 ° F ( -2 ° C ) without meaning equipment casualty . In fact , some nurseryman intentionally go out their spud in the ground until after a lightheaded frost , as the cold-blooded temperatures can help improve the tone and texture of the tubers .
However , it ’s important to mention that if the terra firma freezes solid , the white potato vine can suffer legal injury . When the soil freezes , it expands , which can do the tuber to crack or become schmaltzy . Additionally , frozen soil becomes harder , pee-pee it difficult to harvest the Solanum tuberosum later on .
To minimise the risk of exposure of potato damage during a freeze , there are a few steps you’re able to take :
1 . Keep an eye on the weather forecast : Monitor the local weather prognosis on a regular basis , particularly during the late fall and other winter . If a unvoiced freezing is expected , it ’s good to harvest the potatoes in advance to deflect any potential terms .
2 . Mulch the white potato plant : Before the first Robert Frost , apply a thickset layer of organic mulch , such as straw or leaf , around the tater plants . This will provide some insulation to the dirt and help protect the tubers from freezing temperatures .
3 . Use rowing covers or tunnel : If you previse a tripping frost but want to depart the potatoes in the ground for a chip longer , consider using row covers or tunnels . These protective structures can help pin down heat and prevent frost from directly strike the plants .
4 . Consider hill up the grime : Before the first icing , you may also hill up the grime around the Irish potato plants . This involves adding more territory around the base of the works , sink the crushed parts of the root word . This extra layer of soil act as insularity and can allow extra trade protection to the tubers .
While potato themselves are relatively frost tolerant when buried in the ground , it is generally recommended to harvest them before a freeze come about . freeze out temperature can damage the above - ground foliage and , if the dirt freezes square , the tubers can also hurt damage . By keep an center on the weather forecast , using protective measure like mulching and run-in covers , and hilling up the filth , you’re able to minimise the risk of murphy damage during a freeze .
Caroline Bates
