The Complete Book of Potatoes : What Every Grower and Gardener Needs to Know

The only comprehensive resource for home gardeners and commercial potato growers, The Complete Book of Potatoes has everything a gardener or commercial potato grower needs to successfully grow the best, disease-resistant potatoes for North American gardens. Includes practical as well as technical information about the potato plant, its origin, conventional and organic production techniques, pest management, and storage practices. The plant profiles include still life photographs of the exterior and interior of the tuber, and a succinct description of each variety’s physical and culinary qualities. One of the most versatile of all edible plants, the humble potato is a cornerstone of cuisines around the world. Leading experts Hielke De Jong, Joseph B. Sieczka, and Walter De Jong share their years of experience in the most comprehensive and in-depth guide on growing potatoes. From 'Purple Peruvian' to 'Adirondack Red', The Complete Book of Potatoes provides essential growing information and illustrated profiles of the best varieties. Covering every detail of this remarkable plant, the book explores the natural history, nuances of cuisine and culture, plant structure, conventional and organic methods of cultivation, pests and diseases, and chemistry.--COVER Plant structure and function Cultivar descriptions A to Z Soil and fertility Seed potatoes Establishing and maintaining plants Pests and other problems Growing potatoes the organic way Special techniques for growing potatoes Harvesting and storing Uses of the potato Cultivar development and genetic resources Distribution, domestication, and classification History of the potato in Europe and North America.