Potatoes

How do I know when the potatoes are done? Since they're growing underground, I can't see when they're ready...

So far, the potato experiment seems to be going well. The plants are healthy and green and hip-high. They're growing so much, I'm worried that I planted them too close together.

At least I don't have to worry about the potatoes getting sunburned. One of the websites I looked at for growing advice said to keep piling up dirt at the base of the plants so the growing potatoes aren't exposed to sunlight. I haven't seen any potatoes near the surface, but I'll keep checking. I also need to make sure I keep them watered. The raised bed drains very quickly, and potatoes don't tolerate drying out.

The website (an extension service, but I don't remember where) said that the time to harvest was after the foliage had died, usually in July. It's also possible to harvest some potatoes early (but I don't know how early...). That would probably be a good idea--to spread out the harvest--since potatoes don't freeze, can, or keep particularly well. I guess when they do come in, we'll be eating a lot of potatoes for a few weeks!