|
Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables grown in the home garden. They can be prepared in a wide variety of ways, and there are many different types of potatoes used for many different culinary purposes. There are potatoes specifically for boiling, baking, mashing, and frying. Many recipes call for a specific type of potato to achieve the best results.
According to "Burpee: Complete Gardener", published by Macmillan in 1995, several heirloom varieties of potatoes are available. These are interesting choices because the flesh can be shades of yellow, pink, blue, or white. Mail order publications often sell these unusual varieties.
Another unique type of potato to consider growing is a "fingerling" variety. These are typically between two to five inches long and narrower than a standard potato, according to the same book. Because of their shape, this type would be best suited for mashing, boiling, or frying.
Some popular varieties are described as follows by the Ohio State University website article, "Growing Potatoes in the Home Garden", which was written by E.C. Wittmeyer, Marianne Riofrio, and Mark Bennett. First is "Superior" which is a white-skinned potato that matures fairly early. A popular red variety that matures early is "Norland". "Pontiac" is also a red-skinned variety. Although this variety matures later than "Norland", it produces an abundant crop of odd shaped potatoes. Two types recommended for storage are "Kennebec" and "Katahdin". These are an early variety that have white skin. "Burpee: Complete Gardener" suggests growing "Yukon Gold", which is available in many grocery stores. This unique type is usually priced higher, because it has skin that is pale yellow and gold colored flesh that is quite delicious. Whichever variety you choose to plant, you will discover there are endless ways to prepare this easy-to-grow, delicious vegetable.
Good soil preparation is important when growing potatoes. "Burpee: Complete Gardener" gives the following recommendations when preparing the soil. It says the location chosen for planting potatoes should be sunny and have well-draining soil. The ground will need to be worked deeply to break up hard soil. Any stones or debris will need to be removed.
When choosing tubers, otherwise known as "seed potatoes", the same article says to make sure you purchase only those that are guaranteed to be free from disease. Check the plant hardiness zone chart for information on dates to plant in your particular location, and purchase the tubers only when there is no chance of frost. "Burpee: Complete Gardener" also says potatoes sold in food stores should not be used in place of tubers. This is due to the fact that potatoes for sale in produce markets are treated with products to prevent sprouting. These would not be ideal for planting and should not be used.
"Burpee: Complete Gardener" goes on to provide information on planting seed potatoes. It says they should be planted as soon as possible after purchasing. The tubers can either be planted in one piece, or they can be cut into sections that have at least two buds each. It is recommended they be allowed to dry out in a ventilated location for approximately twenty-four hours before they are planted. When planting them, be sure to allow about a foot of space between each tuber in rows that have about two feet of space between them. They should be placed with the buds facing up, about two or three inches beneath the soil. If they are exposed above the soil they will become green. The same article says these green sections are toxic and should be disposed of. When the foliage reaches a height of about six inches, soil should be mounded around the plants base. They will require consistent watering to prevent bumps and hollowed areas from forming on the tubers.
"Growing Potatoes in the Home Garden" says to allow the foliage to die down before harvesting. This is so the skins become strong which will allow for better preservation. If you desire "new" potatoes, they can be dug approximately ten weeks after planting when they begin to flower, says "Burpee: Complete Gardener". It advises that care should be taken so the main root system is not damaged.
Freshly dug potatoes have a deliciously fresh flavor and will keep for several months when properly stored. "Growing Potatoes in the Home Garden" recommends letting them cure for about ten days, in a dark, humid location with temperatures ranging between sixty and sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. After they have cured, they should be stored in a dark, humid place with temperatures ranging between forty and forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Besides the fact that potatoes can be prepared in many ways, they are loaded with vitamins and are very economical. Growing your own potatoes provides a wider choice of varieties than a typical grocery store. It is also very rewarding to harvest your own vegetables. It is no wonder why so many gardeners are growing their own delicious potatoes.
| 
