Do Potatoes Grow in Texas? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, potatoes do grow in Texas, and they can be a very successful and rewarding crop for Texas gardeners. However, success depends heavily on understanding Texas's diverse climate zones, choosing appropriate potato varieties, and crucially, timing planting to avoid the intense summer heat and ensure development during the cooler, milder parts of the spring and fall seasons. With proper care and selection, Texas can yield excellent potato harvests.

Why is Texas a Challenging Climate for Potatoes?

Texas is a challenging climate for potatoes primarily due to its intense, prolonged summer heat and the broad diversity of its weather patterns across the state. Potatoes, being a cool-season crop, thrive in moderate temperatures and consistent moisture, conditions that are often fleeting or difficult to maintain in much of Texas. This necessitates strategic planting times and careful varietal selection.

Here's a breakdown of why Texas presents difficulties for potato cultivation:

• Extreme Summer Heat (The Biggest Challenge):

  • Tuber Formation: Potatoes perform best when soil temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C). When soil temperatures consistently rise above 80°F (27°C), potato plants cease tuber formation. The intense and prolonged Texas summers, with soil temperatures often soaring much higher, quickly shut down potato production.
  • Plant Stress: High air temperatures also stress the foliage, leading to wilting, scorching, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

• Diverse Climate Zones:

  • Varied Conditions: Texas is enormous and encompasses multiple climate zones, from the humid subtropical Gulf Coast to the arid deserts of West Texas and the temperate north. This means a planting strategy that works in North Texas might fail completely in South Texas.
  • Limited Windows: Each region has a relatively narrow window of optimal potato-growing weather, making precise timing essential.

• Erratic Rainfall and Potential Drought:

  • Moisture Needs: Potatoes require consistent moisture during their tuber development phase. Erratic rainfall patterns, common in many parts of Texas, can lead to drought stress.
  • Impact: Drought stresses the plants, leading to smaller yields, misshapen tubers, or cessation of growth.

• Soil Variations:

  • Alkaline Soils: Many parts of Texas have naturally alkaline soils (high pH). Potatoes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-6.5). Alkaline soils can lead to nutrient deficiencies (like iron scab) and can be less ideal for potato growth.
  • Heavy Clay: Areas with heavy clay soil, if not amended, can lead to poor drainage and compacted conditions, which are detrimental to tuber development and can cause root rot.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Increased Pressure: The warm, sometimes humid conditions can lead to increased pressure from common potato pests (like Colorado potato beetles) and diseases (like early blight or late blight), especially during shoulder seasons.

Despite these challenges, potatoes can be successfully grown in Texas by understanding these limiting factors and adapting planting times, choosing resilient varieties, and preparing the soil thoughtfully. It's not a matter of if they can grow, but how to grow them strategically.

Which Parts of Texas Are Best for Growing Potatoes?

Due to Texas's vast and diverse climate, the best parts of Texas for growing potatoes are generally those that offer longer periods of mild temperatures, allowing the tubers to develop before the onset of scorching summer heat. This primarily includes North Texas, Central Texas, and some elevated areas of West Texas where the growing window is more forgiving.

Here's a breakdown by region:

• North Texas (Excellent Potential):

  • Regions: Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Denton, McKinney, and surrounding areas.
  • Climate: Experiences a distinct spring with mild temperatures, followed by hot summers. This region typically offers the longest optimal spring growing window for potatoes.
  • Planting Times:
    • Spring: Late January to mid-March (after the last hard freeze).
    • Fall: Late July to early September (for a fall crop).
  • Why it's good: The spring season often lasts long enough for early- to mid-season potato varieties to mature before intense summer heat sets in. Fall planting can also be very successful here.

• Central Texas (Very Good Potential):

  • Regions: Austin, San Antonio, Waco, and surrounding Hill Country areas.
  • Climate: Generally warmer winters and hotter, earlier-arriving summers than North Texas.
  • Planting Times:
    • Spring: Mid-January to late February (must be early to beat the heat).
    • Fall: Mid-August to early October.
  • Why it's good: The key here is earlier planting in spring. Selecting very early-maturing varieties is crucial to get a harvest before the brutal summer heat halts tuber formation. Fall crops are often very reliable.

• East Texas (Good Potential with Drainage Focus):

  • Regions: Tyler, Longview, Houston (inland areas away from immediate coast).
  • Climate: Humid subtropical, with ample rainfall. Can experience heavy clay soils.
  • Planting Times: Similar to Central Texas, focusing on early spring.
  • Why it's good: The main challenge here is managing soil. Ensure excellent drainage due to higher rainfall and often heavy clay soils. Raised beds or amending with organic matter is highly recommended.

• West Texas (Good Potential in Some Areas):

  • Regions: High Plains (e.g., Lubbock area) and parts of the Trans-Pecos with higher elevations.
  • Climate: More arid, but high plains can have cooler spring/fall temperatures. Higher elevations can escape some intense heat.
  • Planting Times: Spring is primary; fall might be possible depending on specific elevation and microclimate.
  • Why it's good: Requires more attention to irrigation due to lower rainfall. Cooler spring temperatures can be beneficial.

• South Texas / Gulf Coast (Most Challenging):

  • Regions: Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston.
  • Climate: Very mild winters, intense heat arrives very early.
  • Challenge: The window for cool enough temperatures for tuber formation is very short, making potato cultivation difficult. Very early-maturing varieties might have a chance with exceptionally early planting.

Regardless of the region, strategic planting dates, proper soil preparation, and selection of appropriate varieties are universally critical for successful potato growing in Texas. Always check your local extension office for specific planting dates and variety recommendations for your immediate area.

What Are the Best Potato Varieties for Texas?

Choosing the best potato varieties for Texas is crucial for success, prioritizing those that mature quickly and can produce a good yield before the onset of intense summer heat. While many varieties can grow, those with early- to mid-season maturity and good heat tolerance will perform most reliably in the diverse Texas climate.

Here are some of the top potato varieties recommended for Texas gardeners:

1. 'Yukon Gold':

   • Type: Yellow-fleshed, mid-season (around 80-90 days to maturity).
   • Benefits: This is a fantastic all-around potato known for its excellent flavor, creamy texture, and versatility in the kitchen. It's relatively quick to mature and performs well in many Texas regions if planted early. It's often highly recommended for Texas.
   • Uses: Roasting, mashing, boiling, frying.

2. 'Red Pontiac':

   • Type: Red-skinned, white-fleshed, mid-season (around 80-90 days to maturity).
   • Benefits: A very reliable and hardy variety that tolerates heat better than many others. It's a prolific producer of large, somewhat irregularly shaped tubers.
   • Uses: Excellent for boiling, baking, and mashing.

3. 'Kennebec':

   • Type: White-skinned, white-fleshed, mid- to late-season (around 90-110 days to maturity).
   • Benefits: A very popular commercial potato known for its high yields and good storage qualities. While slightly longer season, it can do well in North and Central Texas with early planting. It's resistant to some diseases.
   • Uses: Excellent for frying (chips and french fries), baking, and mashing.

4. 'Desiree':

   • Type: Red-skinned, yellow-fleshed, mid-season (around 90-100 days to maturity).
   • Benefits: An attractive, firm-cooking potato with good disease resistance and heat tolerance. It's a good choice for baking and roasting.
   • Uses: Roasting, baking, salads.

5. 'Russet Burbank' (or other Russet varieties):

   • Type: Russet-skinned, white-fleshed, late-season (110+ days to maturity).
   • Benefits: While late-season, some Texas gardeners in northern regions with a longer spring may have success with russets. They are the classic baking and frying potato.
   • Consideration: Requires a longer cool growing period, so timing must be very precise. May be more challenging than earlier varieties.

6. Early Maturing Varieties (General Recommendation):

   • Type: Look for any potato variety specifically labeled "early season" (60-80 days to maturity).
   • Benefits: These are your best bet for beating the Texas heat. The faster they form tubers, the higher your chance of a successful harvest.
   • Examples: 'Superior', 'Norland' (red-skinned, early), 'Irish Cobbler'.

Tips for Selection:

• Source Certified Seed Potatoes: Always start with certified seed potatoes. These are disease-free and specifically grown for planting, ensuring a healthy start.
• Local Recommendations: Check with your local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office or a local nursery for the most current and specific variety recommendations for your particular microclimate within Texas.
• Trial and Error: Gardening is often about experimentation. Try a few different recommended varieties to see which performs best in your specific garden.

By focusing on these proven or early-maturing potato varieties, Texas gardeners can significantly improve their chances of a bountiful and delicious harvest.

When is the Best Time to Plant Potatoes in Texas?

The best time to plant potatoes in Texas is critically dependent on your specific region within the state, as the goal is always to allow sufficient cool-season growth for tuber formation before the onset of oppressive summer heat. Generally, Texas gardeners aim for early spring planting or, in some areas, a fall planting for a second harvest.

Here's a breakdown by region:

1. North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and northward):

   • Spring Planting: The ideal window is typically late January to mid-March, after the danger of a hard freeze has passed.
   • Fall Planting: You can often plant a second crop from late July to early September.
   • Strategy: Aim to get potatoes in the ground as early as possible in spring so they can start forming tubers before the peak heat of July and August. Fall planting allows tubers to mature as temperatures cool.

2. Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Waco, Hill Country):

   • Spring Planting: Plant from mid-January to late February. This window is earlier than North Texas to compensate for earlier-arriving summer heat.
   • Fall Planting: Plant from mid-August to early October.
   • Strategy: Speed is of the essence in spring. Choose early-maturing varieties to maximize chances of harvest before heat stress. Fall crops often thrive as temperatures become more favorable.

3. East Texas (Tyler, Houston (inland), forested areas):

   • Spring Planting: Similar to Central Texas, plant from mid-January to late February.
   • Fall Planting: Possible from mid-August to early October.
   • Strategy: Focus on early planting and excellent soil drainage due to higher humidity and often heavier clay soils.

4. West Texas (High Plains, elevated areas of Trans-Pecos):

   • Spring Planting: Typically from late February to early April. The cooler spring might allow for a slightly later start than central Texas.
   • Fall Planting: Less common, but possible in some microclimates from August to mid-September.
   • Strategy: Requires careful water management due to aridity.

5. South Texas / Gulf Coast (Brownsville, Corpus Christi, immediate coastal areas):

   • Spring Planting: The window is very narrow, typically from late December to late January.
   • Fall Planting: Very challenging due to prolonged heat.
   • Strategy: Use very early-maturing varieties and plant at the absolute earliest safe date to allow any tuber development before extreme heat takes over. Success can be inconsistent.

General Timing Principles for Texas:

• Last Frost Date: Always wait until the danger of a hard freeze has passed for spring planting.
• Soil Temperature: Ideally, plant when soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F (7°C) and rising. A soil thermometer can help you track this.
• "Short-Day" Plants: Potatoes are often considered "short-day" plants in that tuberization (tuber formation) is often triggered or enhanced by shorter day lengths and cooler night temperatures. This makes spring and fall ideal.
• Local Extension Office: Always consult your local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office. They provide precise planting calendars and specific advice tailored to your county's climate.

By carefully observing these planting windows for your specific Texas region, you can maximize your chances of a successful and bountiful potato harvest.

How Do I Prepare Soil for Potatoes in Texas?

Preparing soil for potatoes in Texas is a critical step for success, especially given the state's challenging climate and varied soil types. The goal is to create a loose, well-draining, nutrient-rich environment that supports optimal tuber development, which is particularly important in regions with heavy clay or alkaline soils. Proper soil preparation sets the foundation for a bountiful harvest.

Here’s how to prepare the ideal soil for your potatoes in Texas:

1. Choose the Right Location:

   • Full Sun: Select a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Potatoes need ample sun for healthy foliage growth.
   • Good Drainage: Avoid low-lying areas where water tends to collect. Raised beds are an excellent option for areas with poor drainage.

2. Conduct a Soil Test (Highly Recommended):

   • Why: A soil test kit is invaluable. It provides a detailed analysis of your soil's pH, nutrient levels, and texture. This information guides your amendments, preventing guesswork and ensuring you provide exactly what your soil needs.
   • Where: Your local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office can process soil samples and provide recommendations specific to your region.

3. Adjust Soil pH:

   • Potato Preference: Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 5.0 and 6.5. Many Texas soils are naturally alkaline (pH above 7.0).
   • Lowering pH (if too alkaline):
     • Incorporate elemental sulfur or peat moss into the soil. These amendments take time to work, so apply them several weeks or months before planting.
     • Avoid drastically lowering pH, as it can harm other plants. Follow soil test recommendations.
   • Importance: Proper pH ensures nutrients are available to the potato plants and helps reduce the incidence of potato scab, a common disease favored by alkaline conditions.

4. Improve Soil Structure and Drainage:

   • Loosen Compacted Soil: Potatoes need loose, friable (easily crumbled) soil for tubers to expand properly. If you have heavy clay or compacted soil:
     • Till or Double Dig: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12-18 inches. This is crucial for tuber development.
     • Incorporate Organic Matter (Crucial): Amend generously with well-rotted compost (100% compost, or a mixture of compost, pine bark fines, or aged manure). Aim for a 3-6 inch layer tilled into the top foot of soil.
     • Benefits: Organic matter improves drainage in clay soils, enhances water retention in sandy soils, provides slow-release nutrients, and encourages beneficial soil microbes.

5. Address Nutrient Deficiencies (Based on Soil Test):

   • Balanced Fertilizer: If your soil test indicates low nutrient levels, incorporate a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-10-10) into the soil during preparation.
   • Avoid Excessive Nitrogen: While nitrogen is needed for initial foliage growth, too much can lead to lush leafy growth at the expense of tuber development.
   • Importance of P and K: Ensure adequate phosphorus and potassium for tuber formation and overall plant health.

6. Consider Raised Beds:

   • Advantages: Raised garden beds are an excellent solution for Texas gardeners, especially in areas with heavy clay soil or poor drainage. They allow you to create an ideal, custom soil mix that is loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich, regardless of your native soil. They also warm up faster in spring.

By meticulously preparing the soil with these considerations in mind, Texas gardeners can provide their potatoes with the optimal environment to thrive, encouraging robust tuber development and a successful harvest despite the regional climate challenges.

How Do I Plant Potatoes in Texas for the Best Yield?

Planting potatoes in Texas for the best yield involves a combination of careful seed potato preparation, optimal spacing, proper planting depth, and the critical practice of hilling. These techniques work together to encourage vigorous tuber development, protect the plants, and maximize the harvest in Texas's specific growing conditions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for planting potatoes in Texas:

1. Choose and Prepare Certified Seed Potatoes:

   • Certified Seed Potatoes: Always start with certified disease-free seed potatoes. These are specifically grown for planting and reduce the risk of introducing diseases. Do not use grocery store potatoes, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors or carry diseases.
   • Chitting (Pre-Sprouting - Optional but Recommended): About 2-4 weeks before planting, place seed potatoes in a cool (around 60-65°F / 15-18°C), bright location. This encourages them to develop short, stout, green sprouts ("chits"). Chitting gives them a head start.
   • Cutting Seed Potatoes: If your seed potatoes are larger than a chicken egg, cut them into chunks. Each chunk should have at least 1-2 "eyes" (the small indentations where sprouts emerge) and be at least 1.5-2 ounces in size.
   • Curing Cut Pieces: After cutting, let the pieces "cure" for 1-2 days in a warm, humid location (like a paper bag in a warm spot) to allow the cut surfaces to form a protective callous. This prevents rotting once planted.

2. Prepare Your Soil:

   • As described in the previous section, ensure your soil is loose, well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has the optimal pH (5.0-6.5).

3. Planting Time (Crucial for Texas):

   • Plant according to your specific Texas region's optimal dates (see "When is the Best Time to Plant Potatoes in Texas?"). This typically means early spring (late Jan-March) or fall (late July-Oct).

4. Planting Technique:

   • Rows: Dig trenches or furrows about 6-8 inches deep.
   • Spacing: Place the potato pieces (cut-side down or with eyes facing up) in the bottom of the trench, spacing them 10-12 inches apart in the row. If planting multiple rows, space rows 24-36 inches apart.
   • Cover: Cover the potato pieces with only 3-4 inches of soil. Do not fill the trench completely yet.

5. Watering After Planting:

   • Lightly water the trench after planting to settle the soil.

6. Hilling (Essential for Texas):

   • Why Hill? Potato tubers form from modified stems (stolons) that grow from the buried part of the main stem. Exposing tubers to sunlight turns them green and bitter (solanine, which is toxic). Hilling provides loose soil for tubers to develop in and protects them from sun.
   • First Hill: When the potato plants emerge and are about 6-8 inches tall, use a hoe or shovel to draw soil up around the stems, leaving only the top 3-4 inches of foliage exposed.
   • Second Hill: Repeat the hilling process 2-3 weeks later, or as the plants continue to grow, until you've formed a mound of soil around the plants that is about 12-18 inches high.
   • Container/Grow Bag Hilling: If growing in potato grow bags or containers, simply add more potting mix as the plants grow, leaving a few inches of foliage exposed each time.

7. Ongoing Care:

   • Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and tuber development. A soil moisture meter can help prevent drought stress.
   • Fertilization: (As per "How do You Fertilize a Mammoth Sunflower?" - adapted for potatoes, focused on P&K when plants are established and tuberizing).
   • Pest/Disease Control: Monitor for common potato pests (Colorado potato beetle) and diseases (blight) and address promptly.

By meticulously following these planting and hilling techniques, Texas gardeners can create the optimal conditions for robust tuber formation, leading to the best possible yield from their potato crop.

How Do I Care for Potatoes in Texas After Planting?

Caring for potatoes in Texas after planting requires vigilance, particularly with watering, pest/disease management, and temperature monitoring, to ensure the plants thrive through spring and fall growing seasons. Texas's variable climate means consistent attention is key to supporting healthy foliage and abundant tuber development.

Here’s a guide to post-planting care for potatoes in Texas:

1. Watering (Critical for Tuber Development):

   • Consistent Moisture: Potatoes need consistent and even moisture, especially from the time the plants flower through tuber development. Inconsistent watering can lead to misshapen tubers, hollow heart, or cracking.
   • Avoid Overwatering/Soggy Soil: While they need moisture, potatoes hate constantly soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Ensure your soil drains well.
   • Frequency: Check the soil frequently. Water deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. In Texas's heat, this might be daily or every other day. A soil moisture meter is invaluable for accurate assessment.
   • Method: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage, which can encourage diseases like blight. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal.

2. Hilling (Ongoing):

   • As mentioned in the planting section, continue to hill your potato plants as they grow. This protects developing tubers from sunlight (preventing greening and bitterness) and provides loose soil for them to expand. Usually, 2-3 hilling events are needed.

3. Fertilization (Mid-Season Boost):

   • Established Plants: Once your potato plants are about 6-8 inches tall (or after the first hilling), and definitely when they begin to flower, they benefit from a side-dressing of a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 8-20-20). This supports tuber growth.
   • Application: Apply granules in a circle around the plant, 6-12 inches from the stem, and water in thoroughly. (Refer to "How Do You Fertilize a Mammoth Sunflower?" for detailed application, adapted for potato needs).

4. Weed Control:

   • Competition: Weeds compete with potatoes for water and nutrients, especially important in Texas's sometimes dry conditions.
   • Gentle Weeding: Hand-pull weeds gently to avoid disturbing the shallow-growing potato roots and developing tubers.
   • Mulch: A 2-4 inch layer of straw mulch or shredded leaves around the plants (after hilling) can help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep soil temperatures cooler.

5. Pest and Disease Management:

   • Monitor Regularly: Inspect your plants frequently for signs of common potato pests and diseases.
   • Pests: Look out for Colorado potato beetles (both adults and larvae are destructive) and aphids. Hand-pick beetles, use row covers, or apply appropriate organic pesticides like neem oil if infestations are severe.
   • Diseases: Early blight and late blight are common fungal diseases that can rapidly defoliate plants. Good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering help. Remove diseased foliage immediately. Consider resistant varieties.
   • Potato Scab: Favored by alkaline soil. Proper pH adjustment helps prevent it.

6. Temperature Management (Crucial in Texas):

   • Beat the Heat: The most critical aspect of Texas potato care is ensuring tubers develop during cool temperatures. If planting in spring, strive for harvest before temperatures consistently rise above 80°F (27°C).
   • Mulch: Mulching can help keep soil temperatures slightly cooler, extending the tuberization window.

By consistently applying these care practices, Texas gardeners can overcome the climate challenges and guide their potato plants to a successful and abundant harvest.

When and How Do I Harvest Potatoes in Texas?

Harvesting potatoes in Texas requires careful timing and a gentle touch to ensure maximum yield and quality. The optimal time is typically in late spring or early summer for spring-planted crops, and in late fall for fall-planted crops, once the foliage has naturally begun to die back. Knowing when to dig and how to handle the harvested tubers is key for storage and enjoyment.

Here's when and how to harvest potatoes in Texas:

When to Harvest:

1. "New" Potatoes (Optional Early Harvest):

   • Timing: You can harvest "new" potatoes (small, tender, thin-skinned potatoes) about 2-3 weeks after the plants have finished flowering.
   • Method: Gently feel around the base of the plant in the hilled soil. Carefully reach in and pull out a few smaller tubers, leaving the main plant to continue growing larger potatoes. This allows for a staggered harvest.
   • Caution: Be very gentle not to damage the plant or other developing tubers.

2. Main Crop Harvest (For Storage):

   • Primary Indicator: Wait until the potato plant's foliage (leaves and stems) has naturally yellowed, withered, and died back completely. This signals that the tubers have fully matured and the plant has put all its energy into storage. This usually takes 70-120 days from planting, depending on the variety.
   • "Curing" in the Ground: Once the foliage has died back, wait for 1-2 dry weeks before harvesting. This allows the skins of the potatoes to toughen or "cure" in the ground, which significantly improves their storage life and prevents scuffing during harvest.
   • Timing for Texas:
     • Spring Crop: Typically late May to early July, before the ground becomes too hot.
     • Fall Crop: Usually late October to early December, before a hard freeze.
   • Avoid Hot Soil: Do not leave mature potatoes in very hot soil (above 80°F / 27°C) for too long after the foliage dies back, as this can encourage rot. If summer heat arrives fast after dieback, harvest promptly after the 1-2 week curing period.

How to Harvest:

1. Choose a Dry Day: Harvest on a dry day, when the soil is not overly wet, to prevent mud from clinging to the potatoes and reduce the risk of rot during storage.

2. Gather Tools: You'll need a digging fork or a broad-tined pitchfork (preferred over a shovel to avoid spearing tubers).

3. Dig Carefully:

   • Start digging about 6-12 inches away from the main stem of the plant, well outside the expected area of the tubers.
   • Push the digging fork into the soil and gently leverage it upwards, lifting the entire plant along with the surrounding soil.
   • Carefully shake or brush off the soil to reveal the potatoes.
   • Search Thoroughly: Potatoes can grow quite deep and spread out, so dig around the entire area to ensure you don't leave any behind. Small potatoes left in the ground can volunteer next season and potentially spread disease.

4. Handle Gently:

   • Potatoes are surprisingly susceptible to bruising, which can lead to rot in storage. Handle them gently.
   • Avoid dropping them or throwing them into a pile.

5. Cure Harvested Potatoes (For Long-Term Storage):

   • Initial Drying: After harvesting, gently brush off any excess dirt (do not wash them yet).
   • Curing: Spread the potatoes in a single layer in a cool (50-60°F / 10-15°C), dark, well-ventilated location for 1-2 weeks. This "curing" process allows minor cuts and abrasions to heal and toughens the skins, which is essential for long-term storage.
   • Avoid Sun: Do not cure potatoes in direct sunlight, as this will turn them green and bitter (and potentially toxic).

6. Storage:

   • After curing, store potatoes in a cool (40-45°F / 4-7°C), dark, humid (but well-ventilated) place, like a root cellar, cool pantry, or unheated basement. Do not store in the refrigerator, as it can convert starches to sugars, altering flavor.
   • Store them in breathable sacks (burlap, mesh bags) or bins, not airtight containers.

By carefully executing these harvesting and curing steps, Texas gardeners can maximize their potato yield and ensure their homegrown potatoes store well, providing fresh, delicious tubers for months.