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and leaves remain above soil level, then let the plant grow freely once it begins to flower. A layer of pea straw or other quality mulch over the top helps to keep the soil at a constant temperature and stops weeds from growing around the plants.

Full sun and soil that has been improved with plenty of well composted manure gives the best results. Potato plants are heavy feeders, and need moist soil that is neither too wet (tubers may rot) or too dry (tubers will shrivel). Soil improved with compost is rich in nutrients and will retain moisture well while allowing excess water to drain, providing potato plants with just the right conditions for optimum growth.

Young potatoes can be carefully harvested at any time after the plant has finished flowering by pushing some of the soil aside and gently pulling the tubers out. Be sure to cover over well so that none of the growing tubers are exposed to light as this turns them green and toxic. When the plant has completely shrivelled and died, it is time to harvest the rest of your crop.

Potatoes can be stored in a dark, cool dry spot for up to six months if they are prepared correctly beforehand. Potatoes to be stored are left in the ground for two to three weeks after the plant has died off, then dug up and laid out for two to three days where they will receive sunlight but not rain. This dries out and matures the skin so the potato is protected during storage.

Once the whole crop is harvested, garden beds should be rotated so that no vegetables in the solanum family, which includes potatoes and tomatoes, are planted in the same spot for the next two seasons. Solanum diseases pass easily through the soil, so regular rotation of crops ensures healthy beds for growing vegetables year after year.

Now all that's left to do is to cook your scrumptious home grown potatoes and enjoy.

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