did you know?

The humble potato originated in South America and was introduced to Europe in the 1500's. There it was slow to gain acceptance; before the potato was appreciated as an important food crop it was considered to be both and aphrodisiac and poisonous (along with the tomato, another member of the nightshade family.)

general maintenance:

When sprouts are 6-8 inches tall, fill in the remainder of the trench, mounding soil over the base of the plant; leave foliage exposed. Continue to hill soil over the base of plants occasionally throughout the growing season to encorage tuber formation and to keep root zone cool. Straw or leaf mulch may also be used to build up mound.

pests/diseases:

Scab, fusarium and verticillium wilts, flea beetles, Colorado potato beetles, Japanese beetles, aphids and leafhoppers may occur.

controls:

Grow potatoes in acidic soil (pH below 6.3) to discourage scab; to adjust pH apply sulfure following package instructions. Reduce watering and remove plants infected with wilts. Use row covers to exclude insects from young plants; handpick beetles from older plants. Regularly hose off aphids and leafhoppers with a directed stream of water, or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions. Annually rotate crop location, avoiding areas that were planted with other nightshades (tomato and eggplant).

how to sow/plant:

Buy certified disease resistant seed potatoes from a reputable source; do not use grocery store potatoes which have been treated with a growth inhibitor to prevent sprouting. If soil pH is above 6.3, apply sulfur following package instructions. Cultivate soil well and dig a trench 5 inches deep. Set seed potatoes in the trench and cover with 3 inches of soil.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil evenly moist, supplying 1-2 inches of water per week especially in hot weather. Water monthly with compost tea or spray fish emulsion.

garden hint:

Potatoes that are exposed to light will turn green due to the development of a bitter, toxic alkaloid called solanine. Keep tubers well covered with soil or mulch and after harvest store in a cool, dark location

features:

garden uses:

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible