Should I Grow Potatoes in my Garden?

Here is a photo of indeterminant potatoes in the ground. (These are Russets)

The Potato’s Long History

Potatoes originated in South America between five thousand and ten thousand years ago. The earliest verified domesticated potato was found in what is now Central Peru and was grown around 2500 BC. They made their way to Europe in the late 1500s. By the late 19th century, the population of France was in love with the starchy root vegetable.

The potato soon became a staple for poorer members of the population and soon replaced turnips and rutabagas. The reasons were obvious. Potatoes kept a long time in storage. They satisfied hunger pangs, and they were cheap. They especially became a major staple in Ireland where even the poorest families could often grow enough potatoes to fatten the hog they planned to butcher in the fall.

The Irish potato famine which occurred between 1845 and 1849 was responsible for a million Irish deaths and the mass migration to North America.

Nutritional Information

Potatoes today are versatile and adaptable to various dishes. They can be eaten boiled, baked, or fried and frequently served as a side dish or snack. They are often served as French fries and potato chips.

Potatoes are primarily starch or complex carbohydrates. They also have small amounts of simple sugars. Cooked potatoes with skin are a…