Annual

Hardy in USDA zones 3-10

Native to Americas

Edible parts of plant: tubers

Maximum and minimum temperatures: Some varieties are lightly frost tolerant, can survive between 32 F - 86 F (0 to 30 C)

Soil type requirements: loamy soil, pH 5.0-6.0, rich in organic matter

Space requirements: 6-8 in deep trenches topped into mounds, no spud light exposure

Possible companion plants: Corn, cabbage, leeks

Water frequency: 1-2 inches per week

Start Date: Begin starting chits a week before the last frost (somewhere between March and April for DC, although this varies from year to year). Start with chits with 2-3 eyes per piece. Water regularly until sprouts emerge

Plant chits directly in soil. 

Harvest Date: For "new potatoes", harvest roughly 50-60 days after planting. For more mature potatoes, depending on variety, harvest in 60-90 days. 

Diseases: Potatoes are prone to blight and beetles, so growing in areas where potatoes and other solanaceae haven't been grown is pertinent 

Annual

Grows best in USDA zones 5-8, although different varieties are more resistant to cold temperatures or extreme heat 

Native to Americas

Edible parts of plant: fruit

Maximum and minimum temperatures: >50ºF, best at 70-80ºF

Soil type requirements: Well-drained soil, slightly acidic (around 6.0pH)

Space requirements: Variety dependent. Leave room for tomato cages as plants can become quite heavy. 

Possible companion plants: Basil

Water frequency: A generous 2 inches, particularly during hot DC summers. 

Start Date: If growing from seed, start indoors about 5 weeks before expected transplant date. 

When temperatures are regularly above 50 F: Transplant outside. 

Plant chits directly in soil. 

Harvest Date: Harvest regularly as fruit becomes red and ripe. All viable fruit will flower by September, start thinning flowers afterwards. Harvest all fruit by the first frost and allow further ripening indoors

Diseases: Septoria, or leaf spot, is a very common fungal infection. Avoid planting tomatoes too close to eachother, clear out plants fully at the end of the season, and if necessary, spray leaves with a fungicide. 

Cracking: Fruit will split when there are fluctuations in watering (causing the interior of the fruit to grow more quickly than the skin can allow). Try to keep watering consistent and harvest if sudden, heavy rains are predicted.