To store potatoes properly and keep them fresh for a long time, the best method is to keep them in a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated place. Ideal temperatures for storage are around 6 to 10 degrees Celsius (43-50°F). Potatoes should be kept away from light to prevent greening and sprouting, and they should not be stored near onions or ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas, as these can cause potatoes to spoil faster. Potatoes are best stored unwashed, with a bit of soil left on them as a natural protective layer, and in breathable containers like paper bags, mesh bags, baskets, or crates, rather than in airtight plastic bags. Some practical tips include:

• Cure potatoes for 2 to 5 days in a cool, dark place before storing to allow skins to toughen.
• Spread potatoes out in a single layer or store them in wood shavings or dry dirt to help absorb moisture and reduce rot.
• Store potatoes in a basement, pantry, root cellar, or dark garage, maintaining good air circulation.
• Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator below 7°C (45°F) as cold converts starches to sugars, affecting flavor and cooking quality.
• Check regularly and remove any potatoes showing signs of sprouting or rot to protect others.

Following these guidelines allows potatoes to last several months, even up to 6 months or more under optimal conditions.

A simple and effective long-term storage method featured is placing potatoes in a box layered with dry dirt or wood shavings, keeping them coated and separated, then storing the box in a cool, dark place. This can keep potatoes fresh for months and even up to a year.

Overall, the essentials for storing potatoes well are: cool temperature, darkness, dryness, ventilation, and avoiding ethylene-producing neighbors.