Potato

Growing

When planting potatoes, choose a spot with well-draining soil and aim for a slightly acidic pH between 5.0 and 6.0. You can sow seeds or plant tubers directly into the ground or in containers, as long as you avoid waterlogged conditions. Because this is a cool season crop, plant once the soil has warmed. The plants can survive a light frost, but extreme low temperatures will stunt their growth.

Watch the foliage for signs of late blight, a serious disease for potato growers. Also watch for pests like the Colorado potato beetle, potato tuber moth, and aphids that can damage the plant or spread viruses. To keep tubers safe, avoid exposing the skins or any emerging sprouts to light, as this can cause the plant to produce solanine, making the tubers toxic.

When the tubers are ready, harvest them to use immediately, as they do not ripen further once picked. Store unwashed potatoes in a cool, dark cellar. To preserve them, you can freeze them after blanching, or use canning methods. The leaves and seeds of the plant are toxic.