Few of us think, but in fact most of the crop is lost not from pests, diseases and bad weather, but from improper storage. As a young man, I have had cases where potatoes or beets had to throw out entire mailboxes. As it was sorry for wasted time and effort.
During the years of horticultural practice, I have tried a variety of ways and methods of storage. From the most popular, to the frankly absurd. And all effective techniques have been many common principles. On them will be discussed in this article.
I want to tell you about the 7 principles that are found in the most effective ways to store. they all relate to the preparation, processing and beet conditions of detention.
Principle 1. The harvest in dry weather
All effective methods that I know suggests harvesting only in dry weather. It is unacceptable even the presence of a large amount of dew.
If the weather is rainy, before the harvest is necessary to wait at least 3 dry days. Otherwise, beets absorb too much moisture, leading to subsequent rotting.
A friend of mine gardener in rainy weather held the following procedure. Made of beet canopy of waterproof fabric, and around beds dug drainage groove. This was done to ensure that the soil in which sits a root crop, as much as possible dry. After waiting a dry windy day and harvest. Of course, this is not the best way to harvest, but if the rain falls almost every day - there is no alternative.
Principle 2. Thorough cleaning of fruits
After the harvest all the fruit should be thoroughly cleaned. This is done after the ground dries. It is best to clean with a dry cloth, sponge or hand. Since the protective layer root suffer less often.
Wash the beets do not need the fruit will absorb moisture and in the future may begin to rot.
If beet intended for early consumption, it is better to wash. So it will be easier and faster. But, in the article we are talking about long-term storage.
Principle 3. A rigorous selection of applicants
Once the fruits cleaned, they should be sorted into two groups. The first group will go to long-term storage, the second will be used in the near future.
For the first group need only healthy and strong roots. Must be free of:
- cuts;
- Spots.
- Soft spots;
- Traces shock and physical influence;
- Traces of attack by pests;
Fruits too large is better to send the second group. As shown by my practice, they can not be stored for a long time. The same should be done with the fruits of unusual shape.
Principle 4. Properly cut the tops
After beet storage is selected, you need to carefully trim the tops. This is done only with sharp scissors or a knife. In no case do not break leaves hands. This will damage the fetus.
During the entire beet preparatory process for storage, with a root crop very carefully handle. You can not throw, hit, and stored in lots of layers. All this will lead to physical damage and future "losses".
Principle 5. mandatory drying
Now it is necessary to dry the beet from surface moisture. This is done in a dry and well-ventilated place. Drying lasts for hours, during which requires 4 times (Or 2 times) turn the fruits of the various parties.
During drying, the roots do not touch each other.
Principle 6. Proper containers for storage
All sources claim one. Beets should be stored in a well-ventilated container, which does not damage the fruit. It can be wooden boxes or wicker baskets. The main thing that they did not have protruding nails, wire, chips, etc.
It is best to use a container with a flat bottom. Convexity and relief can damage the lower layers of the roots.
Principle 7. Temperature storage
One important factor is the constant temperature. Nearly all agree that the beets are best stored at a temperature of from 2 to 3 degrees.
It is important that the temperature does not change during the storage period.
I'm sure that if you follow these simple principles of storage, yield losses can be avoided.
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