Can You Store Carrots With Potatoes

You can store carrots with potatoes, but it’s not the best idea if you’re hoping for long-term freshness.
 
While both are root vegetables that seem like perfect storage buddies, they actually have very different needs when it comes to temperature, humidity, and ethylene gas exposure.
 
In this post, we’ll explore whether you can store carrots with potatoes, why this common pairing often leads to spoilage, and what you should do instead to keep both crops fresh for months.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Can You Store Carrots With Potatoes? The Short Answer

You can store carrots with potatoes, but the results are usually disappointing.
 
Potatoes and carrots may look like they belong together in a root cellar, but their storage requirements pull in opposite directions.
 
Potatoes prefer cool, dark, and dry conditions, while carrots need cold and humid conditions to stay crisp.
 
When you store carrots with potatoes, one of them will always suffer.
 

1. Potatoes Need Dry Conditions

Potatoes store best at around 40–50°F (4–10°C) with high humidity, but they also need good ventilation to prevent rot.
 
If potatoes sit in a damp environment, they sprout faster, develop soft spots, and can even grow mold.
 
When you store carrots with potatoes in the same bin, the moisture carrots release can speed up the spoilage of your potatoes.
 

2. Carrots Need High Humidity

Carrots, on the other hand, thrive in cold, humid conditions—around 32–40°F (0–4°C) with 95% humidity.
 
Without enough moisture, carrots go limp, rubbery, and lose that sweet, crunchy texture.
 
So when you store carrots with potatoes in a dry environment, your carrots are the ones that pay the price.
 

3. Ethylene Gas Is a Problem

Here’s another reason you shouldn’t store carrots with potatoes: ethylene gas.
 
Potatoes release ethylene gas as they age, and carrots are sensitive to it.
 
When carrots are exposed to ethylene, they develop a bitter flavor and can turn brown or mushy faster.
 
So storing carrots with potatoes doesn’t just affect texture—it changes how your carrots taste.
 

4. Different Temperature Preferences

Ideally, carrots should be stored colder than potatoes.
 
Potatoes do best just above freezing but not too cold, while carrots actually prefer near-freezing temperatures.
 
If you try to store carrots with potatoes at a temperature that works for one, the other will start to decline.
 
That’s why most experts recommend keeping them separate.
 

Why People Store Carrots With Potatoes Anyway

Many gardeners and home cooks store carrots with potatoes because it seems convenient.
 
Both are harvested in fall, both go in the root cellar, and both are staples in soups and stews.
 
But convenience doesn’t equal good storage practice.
 
If you really want to store carrots with potatoes, you can, but expect to use them up faster—within a few weeks rather than a few months.
 

1. Short-Term Storage Is Possible

If you’re only storing carrots with potatoes for a short time, like a week or two, you might not notice major issues.
 
Just keep an eye on both and remove any that start to soften or sprout.
 
But for long-term storage, separating them is the way to go.
 

2. Use Separate Containers in the Same Space

If you’re limited on space, you can store carrots with potatoes in the same room but in separate containers.
 
Use a breathable bag or box for potatoes and a sealed, humid container for carrots.
 
This way, you can store carrots with potatoes nearby without them ruining each other.
 

3. Check Them Often

Whenever you store carrots with potatoes, check them every few days.
 
Look for signs of sprouting, shriveling, or mold.
 
The sooner you catch problems, the longer both will last.
 

Best Ways to Store Carrots and Potatoes Separately

If you want your harvest to last, don’t store carrots with potatoes—store them apart.
 
Here’s how to do it right.
 

1. Store Carrots in the Fridge

The best place for carrots is your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
 
Remove the greens, wash and dry them, then store them in a sealed bag or container with a damp paper towel.
 
This keeps humidity high and temperature low, which is exactly what carrots need.
 

2. Store Potatoes in a Cool, Dark Place

Potatoes should go in a dark, cool spot with good airflow—like a pantry, basement, or garage.
 
Keep them in a paper bag or cardboard box, never in a sealed plastic bag.
 
And definitely don’t store carrots with potatoes in that same bag.
 

3. Use a Root Cellar Wisely

If you have a root cellar, you can store carrots with potatoes in the same room but in different bins.
 
Keep carrots in sand, sawdust, or damp peat moss to maintain humidity.
 
Potatoes should be in open crates or bins with plenty of ventilation.
 

4. Freeze or Can for Long-Term

If you can’t provide ideal conditions, consider freezing or canning your carrots and potatoes.
 
Blanching and freezing carrots preserves their texture and nutrients.
 
Potatoes don’t freeze as well raw, but you can par-cook and freeze them for later use.
 

So, Can You Store Carrots With Potatoes?

You can store carrots with potatoes, but it’s not recommended for long-term storage.
 
Potatoes need dry, ventilated conditions and release ethylene gas that harms carrots.
 
Carrots need cold, humid conditions and are sensitive to that same gas.
 
If you must store carrots with potatoes, do it short-term and check them often.
 
For the best results, keep them separate and give each one the environment it thrives in.