Harvesting Potatoes: How to Know When They’re Ready (and Why I Grow My Own)
There’s something deeply satisfying about harvesting potatoes. They’re one of those crops where the excitement builds underground, hidden from view, until the big reveal at harvest time. In my recent video, I showed how to tell when a potato plant is ready to harvest versus when it still needs more time. I grew three colorful varieties this season—blue, red, and purple potatoes—and I want to share why I plant them, how I grow them, and what I’ll be doing with some of this year’s harvest to set myself up for next season.
Why I Grow Blue, Red, and Purple Potatoes
Most grocery store shelves are stocked with just a few familiar potato varieties—russet, Yukon gold, maybe red potatoes if you’re lucky. But the world of potatoes is so much bigger and more colorful. I grow blue, red, and purple potatoes not just because they’re beautiful and delicious, but because they’re nutritional powerhouses.
These colorful potatoes get their hue from anthocyanins, the same plant compounds found in blueberries and purple cabbage. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and may even support heart and brain health.
They also provide:
Vitamin C – supports immune health.
Potassium – helps regulate blood pressure.
Fiber – supports digestion and fullness.
Iron & B vitamins – for energy and red blood cell health.
They’re not just beautiful on the plate and delicious — they’re good for you!
Growing Potatoes in Pots
One of the reasons I love growing potatoes in containers is how easy harvesting becomes. Instead of digging into garden soil and risking cutting or bruising your potatoes, I simply tip the pots over onto a tarp and sift through the soil with my hands. It’s almost like a treasure hunt—you never know how many potatoes are hiding inside until you dump it out!
Growing in pots also helps me manage soil conditions, reduces pests, and makes it possible to grow potatoes even if you don’t have a big garden plot. If you’ve ever been hesitant to grow potatoes, containers are a fantastic way to start. I use 10 gallon containers, and they’re the perfect size for me.
Knowing When Potatoes Are Ready
In the video, I compare plants that are ready to harvest with those that still need more time. The key signs your potatoes are ready:
The plant foliage has started to yellow and die back.
The stems begin to dry down and collapse.
For storage potatoes, I wait until the tops are almost completely dead so the skins have time to “set” and toughen up for longer keeping.
If your potato plant is still lush and green, it’s not time yet—patience pays off for a bigger and better harvest.
Saving Potatoes for Next Year’s Seed
This year, I’m setting aside part of my harvest as seed potatoes for next season. By storing them properly in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space, I’ll have my own seed stock ready to plant again in spring. Not only does this save money, but it also creates a beautiful cycle of self-sufficiency: the potatoes I harvested this year will become the seed of next year’s crop.
A Nod to My Roots
As someone with Irish heritage, growing potatoes always feels a bit like connecting back to my roots. Potatoes are more than just a crop—they’re a staple that nourished generations and carried incredible cultural importance. Planting and harvesting my own makes me feel part of that tradition, even in my backyard.
Why You Should Grow Potatoes Too
If you’ve ever thought about trying your hand at growing your own food, potatoes are a fantastic place to start. They’re forgiving, productive, and fun to harvest. And if you grow colorful varieties like I do, you’ll enjoy flavor, nutrition, and beauty you simply won’t find in the grocery store.
So if you can find a bit of space in your garden—or a few pots on your patio—give potatoes a try. You’ll be glad you did when you uncover those first hidden gems in the soil.
✨ Want to see the difference between a plant that’s ready to harvest and one that isn’t? Watch my potato harvest video here: https://youtu.be/QJIHO6bD6i8
🌿 Recipe: Roasted Rainbow Potatoes with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed baby potatoes (blue, red, and purple varieties work beautifully)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or thyme/oregano)
2 tbsp vegetable broth (or water)
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash potatoes well and cut any larger ones into halves or quarters so they’re all similar in size.
In a bowl, toss potatoes with garlic, rosemary, broth (or water), salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roast for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until potatoes are fork-tender and golden on the edges.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Serving Ideas:
Serve as a side dish with roasted veggies or tofu.
Toss into a hearty salad or grain bowl.
Enjoy cold as part of a potato salad.
Why This Works:
Roasting helps bring out the natural sweetness of your homegrown potatoes, while fresh herbs add brightness. Plus, using broth instead of oil keeps it light and heart-healthy.
Thanks for reading! Nature offers incredible tools for health and vitality. If you want support integrating these into your lifestyle, I’d love to work with you! Check out my coaching and workshops on the Work With Me page.