While Tubers grow underground like Roots, Tubers are high in starch. Let’s review the members by family and identify the similarities and differences.
Nightshade Family: potatoes
Morning Glory Family:Â sweet potatoes
Aster Family: Jerusalem artichokes
Similarities:  While the edible part of the Tubers category of veggies grows underground, tubers have flowers that grow above ground. Tubers are high in starch and enjoy a dose of phosphorous when they are growing. Try not to bruise the tubers when harvesting so they last longer – don’t expect Tubers to last as long as the Bulbs veggie category.
Differences:  Each Tuber member is in a different plant family. You plant a piece of the tuber for Jerusalem artichokes and potatoes and slips for sweet potatoes.
Raised Bed Ideas: Just like Bulbs, I like to grow Tubers in their own raised bed or grow bags so I don’t damage the roots of other plants when harvesting. Also, if you plant Tubers together that mature around the same time, you can clear an area for successive sowing. Since Tubers have a tendency to spread out, you may trouble finding them underground which is why a grow bag or a large container would be helpful.
I’ve only grown potatoes and sweet potatoes so far!
