Storing Potatoes for Food & Seed DfV 13

STORING POTATOES FOR FOOD AND SEED

DIG FOR VICTORY LEAFLET No. 13

Storing potatoes properly was critical to having a well-fed winter. This wartime leaflet from 1942, number 13 in the dig for victory series, covers various storage methods for both eating and seed potatoes.

The potato was arguably the most important crop that could be profitably grown on a small scale at home. Yield – in terms of food value – was high for the area used. High in carbohydrates, vitamins – especially vitamin C and high in minerals. Hence successfully storing the potato harvest was given its own guide.

I’ve annotated, where appropriate, with comments regarding current methods and advice where this differs from that in this dig for victory leaflet. My comments are in green.

The original leaflet ran over 4 pages and I have stayed with that format but I’ve split the content according to topic rather than the limitations of paper.

Standard best practice for home growers today is to store potatoes in hessian sacks in a cool, dark place. The hessian sacks allow moisture to evaporate from the stored potatoes.

Introduction to Storing Potatoes

This first page from the wartime guide introduces new growers to the factors that affect storing potatoes to provide food and seed for next season.

Lifting and Selecting Potatoes for Store

This second page of dig for victory 13 covers selecting eating and seed potatoes for storing, It also suggests how to utilise those not suitable for store.

Storing Potatoes including Potato Clamps

This page from the guide explains storing potatoes in larders and cellars for small amounts. For large amounts it recommends and explains building a clamp.

Storing Seed Potatoes

This last page of the seed storing guide covers selecting and storing seed potatoes for the next seasons crop and concludes this leaflet.