Potatoes
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Potato Growing Tips
Grow potatoes from whole potatoes, small potatoes, or a cut piece of a larger potato. Potatoes grow from the dormant buds–called “eyes”–on the surface of other potatoes. When the buds sprout, they develop into new plants. About two weeks after sprouting, the main stem and first leaves of the new potato plant will appear above ground. Preparing to Plant […] More
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Potato Seed Starting Tips
Potatoes are a cool-weather crop, but the leafy tops can’t tolerate more than a light frost. Plant potatoes so they come to harvest when the weather is cool but not cold. In cold-winter climates, plant seed potatoes in the garden in spring as soon as the soil can be worked—usually about 3 weeks before the […] More
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When to Plant Potatoes
Plant seed potatoes 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Potatoes develop best in the cool weather of spring. The best tuber formation occurs when the daytime temperature is 60° to 65°F (16°-18°C) and night temperatures are about 10 degrees cooler. Where winters are mild and summers are hot, potatoes can be planted in […] More
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Potato-Leek Soup Simply Made
PrintPotato-Leek SoupAuthor Steve Albert Potato-leek soup is simply made with potatoes and leeks from the garden. You can leave the skins on the potatoes if you like. Ingredients3 parts finely sliced potatoes; use boiling or Yellow Finn potatoes, scrubbed well.2 parts sliced leeks (or onions); use only the white parts.Milk or creamSeasoningsOil or butterInstructionsSauté the […] More
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in Plant
Growing Organic Potatoes
Potatoes are easy to grow organically. Plant potatoes in spring raised beds or mounded beds after the soil warms and dries out. Plant potatoes where they will grow in full sun. To prepare potato planting beds, remove large stones and then add an inch or two of aged compost and well-rotted manure. Compost will provide […] More
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Potato Growing Quick Tips
Planting: In cold winter regions, plant seed potatoes in spring as soon as the soil can be worked. For a summer crop where the soil temperature does not climb above 85°F (20°C), plant 2-3 weeks before the last frost. For a fall crop, plant in late spring. In mild-winter regions, plant in late winter—4 to […] More
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in Tips
Potato Planting for Potato Cooking
Choose potatoes for planting with cooking in mind. Potatoes for boiling—for making potato salad and home-fry potatoes—should have a low- to medium-starch content. Potatoes for baking should have high-starch content. Low- and medium-starch potatoes keep their shape and remain creamy and toothy when boiled. High-starch potatoes will swell and puff up when baked; they will […] More
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in Recipes, Side Dishes
Cabbage Colcannon
Cabbage colcannon is a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes with milk, butter, and cooked finely chopped onions and cabbage. Easily you can substitute leeks for the onions and kale for the cabbage. Colcannon is a warming and hearty dish commonly served alongside corned beef, boiled pork, or bacon. The Irish often serve colcannon on […] More
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Ham, Potato, and Cheese Gratin
The ham and cheese and potato gratin is a flavorful and sustaining winter dish. I usually call on this recipe a day or two after a big baked ham dinner by simply reserving 1 or 2 pounds of ¼-inch ham slices. But you can pick up a 1 to 2 pound ham steak at the […] More
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How to Make Seasonal and Flavorful Potato Salad
Potato salad is a summer classic—but it’s also a spring and fall and winter classic. Some like it moist and creamy. Some like it dry and crumbly. Some like it dressed in egg-rich mayonnaise. Some like it dressed in oil and vinegar. Some like it with sweet relish and a dash of sugar. Some like […] More
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in Prepare, Recipes, Side Dishes
How to Cook New Potatoes with No Recipe
New potatoes make for sweet, moist eating. You can serve them steamed, sautéed, boiled, baked, roasted, or grilled. They can be served tossed in butter or olive oil or as a dip with butter or sour cream or horseradish or served as a side dish with chicken, lamb, steaks or burgers, or grilled fish. New […] More
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Grow Potatoes in Trenches, Mulch, or Containers
Potatoes are easy to grow in holes, trenches, under mulch or landscape fabric, or in containers. Grow potatoes in full sun and well-drained soil or mulch. Plant potatoes when the soil temperature is at least 50°F. Potatoes grow best when the air temperature is between 60 and 65°F. Grow potatoes from seed potatoes—small tubers grown […] More
Stephen Albert