Grow it:
Varieties:
- The most common varieties are Red LaSoda and Kennebec.
Fertilizing:
- Potatoes need adequate fertilizing early in the season.
- Apply most of the fertilizer just before planting.
Planting:
- Purchase “seed potatoes” from your local nursery. Cut the potatoes into quarters. Each quarter should contain at least one bud or “eye.”
Watering:
- During growth, keep the soil moisture supply constant.
Harvesting:
- Potatoes are ready to harvest when the tops begin to die.
- Small “new potatoes” can be harvested during the growing season by carefully digging beside the plant with your fingers.
- To harvest potatoes, dig under the plants with a shovel or spading fork. Raise the plants and shake away the soil.
- Pull the potatoes from the vines and handle them carefully to prevent damage. Damaged potatoes do not store well.
Buy it:
- All potato varieties should be clean, firm, smooth, dry, and uniform in size.
Store it:
- Store potatoes in a cool, dark, well ventilated place for use within 3 to 5 weeks.
Use it:
Cheese Broccoli Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 6 Tbsp low-fat ranch dressing
- 3/4 cup low-fat milk
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Wash your hands and clean your cooking area
- Scrub and peel potatoes.
- Place whole potatoes in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
- Add frozen broccoli on top.
- Completely cover bowl with microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave for 12 min. on high or until the potatoes are tender.
- Use a towel or oven safe gloves to carefully take off plate and remove bowl from microwave. Use extra caution to avoid steam.
- Use potato masher to break up the potatoes and broccoli.
- Stir in cheese, ranch dressing, and milk.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- You can top the potato mixture with sprinkled cheese.
Learn More!
Potatoes are free of fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. They are also a recommended source of Vitamin C.
All information gathered by Aggie Horticulture. For more information about spinach and greens, or other vegetables, visit Aggie Horticulture. For a downloadable version of this page, click here.
