In and Around the Garden

As promised, here are the tips and facts on potatoes.

Potato Harvest Tips:

1. Harvest when the plant starts to flower, around mid- to late-June.
2. Carefully dig into the soil or hill with your fingers.
3. Feel for medium to large potatoes and gently remove from root.
4. Leave small potatoes in tact to harvest later when the foliage dies.
5. De-stress the potato plant by watering well after harvesting.
6. Store potatoes in a cool, dark, damp place three to six months.
7. Eat new (or immature) potatoes as soon as possible.

“Boiling” Potato Facts:

Boiling potatoes include Round White, Round Red, Yellow Potato, Red Potato, Salad Potato, La Soda, Red La Rouge, Red Pontiac, Red Nordland, Red Bliss, Yellow Finnish, Ruby Crescent, and Australian Crescent

1. Good for soups, roasting, barbecuing, casseroles, potato salads
2. Good for thick, lumpy mashed potatoes if that is what you prefer.
3. Most of the nutrients are in the skin
4. Increases daily fiber and protein
5. 308 calories per medium-size
6. High in moisture and sugar
7. Thin, waxy-smooth flesh.
8. Able to keep their shape.
9. Low in starch

Copyright © 2010 Dianne Marie Andre