After gaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic was ruled by a series of autocratic leaders; by the 1990s, calls for democracy led to the first multi-party democratic elections in 1993. Ange-FÃ©lix PatassÃ© became president, but was later removed by General FranÃ§ois BozizÃ© in the 2003 coup.
To check for crop maturity, dig up one or two plants, if the skins on the tubers are thin and rub off easily, the crop is not fully mature. The skins on mature potatoes remain firmly attached to the tubers. Roll-over image to enlarge. Rubbing the thumb across this potato shows the potato skin firm and stays in place. Roll-over image to enlarge. Rubbing the thumb across this potato shows the skin rubbing off and is not yet ready for harvesting to store. However now you have ripped it from its home you might as well eat it tonight.
Check for Readiness. After the potato vines have died, leave the potatoes in the ground another two or three weeks. Next, youâll need to check your potatoes for maturity. Carefully dig up one or two hills of potatoes and pick up some of the tubers. Rub the skin with your thumb or fingers. If the skin slides or rubs off easily, your potatoes are not ready for harvest and wonât store well if you dig them now. Leave the rest of your crop in the ground a few more days and then check again. Eat immature potatoes soon after digging, since you wonât be able to store them.