Autumn potato harvest brings good yields and family gatherings to Latvian farms

September is traditionally potato harvest month in the Latvian countryside, and this year many growers are pleased with the results. Sandra Apškrūma, who tends a small garden plot in the "Porciems" homestead in Vireši parish, says her potatoes were dug up in the first week of September and the yield was outstanding — far better than last year. Favorable summer weather helped, and pest pressure, including Colorado beetles, was lower than usual. Part of the harvest will be stored in the cellar, and some will be shared with friends and relatives.

Harvesting brings families together

After last year's difficult season, when heavy rains hampered both growth and harvesting, growers this year are notably more satisfied. In many households, potato digging has also become an occasion for family gatherings. A harvesting party was recently held at the "Atvari" homestead in Branti parish, bringing together several generations, from grandparents to grandchildren. Līga Osma, who lives in Smiltene, says the family gathering turns into a shared experience every year, complete with a communal meal, although this year's usual themed dress-up tradition was skipped due to unpredictable weather.

Larger farms rely on machinery

The "Piekalnes" farm in Vijciems parish, which specializes in growing potatoes and certified seed material, harvests mechanically across 55 hectares, of which roughly 15 had been completed as of last weekend. Farm representative Mārcis Pakalns says wet conditions in early September slowed the work and could affect the quality and storability of the potatoes. The total yield will only become clear once harvesting is complete.

In September, Pakalns will take part in several potato festivals — in Kuldīga, at Riga's Āgenskalns market, and in Madona — where visitors can learn about various potato varieties and related activities.