Ah, the holidays, a time when families come together, and tables groan under the weight of delectable dishes. I can vividly recall one particular holiday feast as if it happened just yesterday. There, spread before me, was a veritable potato parade that could have made even the most dedicated spud enthusiast dizzy with delight. It was a starchy symphony that featured potatoes in all their glory, sweet potatoes with marshmallows and maple syrup, yams with brown sugar and maple syrup, and even a sweet potato pie with pecans and sour cream for dessert. As a wide-eyed kid, I couldn’t help but ponder the question that had been nagging at me for years: Are potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams all distant relatives in the vegetable family tree?

You see, for the better part of my childhood, I had an inkling that these root vegetables were somehow connected, sharing a common spud ancestry, perhaps. But after spending a whopping 40 years immersed in the world of gardening publishing, I was finally enlightened by our trusty Potato Garden Guide, which laid out the facts with the precision of a skilled gardener tending to their crops.

The guide explained, in no uncertain terms, the unique histories and botanical lineages that set potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams apart. It was an eye-opener, to say the least. No longer could I lump these scrumptious tubers together like long-lost cousins at a family reunion.

And so, if you, dear member, have yet to delve into the fascinating world of potatoes and sweet potatoes, I wholeheartedly suggest you dig in—pun absolutely intended. Our Potato Gardening Guide is a treasure trove of knowledge, complete with more recipes than you can shake a potato peeler at. In fact, it outshines all 57+ of our other Gardening Guide books, and that’s no small feat, let me tell you.

As if that weren’t enough to tickle your tastebuds, our November cover story is a heartwarming tribute to the potato in all its magnificent forms. I must say, I’m particularly smitten with the delightful potato video that Amanda has contributed to this month’s magazine. Our November 2023 issue is a potato lover’s dream come true, filled with tips, tricks, and tantalizing potato-based recipes that will have you craving spuds for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

And now, dear friends, it’s your turn to shine. The holidays are a time for sharing, and I’m sure each and every one of you has a potato, sweet potato, or yam story to regale us with. Maybe it’s a tale of culinary triumph, a nostalgic family tradition, or a hilarious mishap involving a potato peeler and a runaway spud. Whatever it may be, don’t be shy—share your stories with the Food Gardening Network community below.

As we embark on another holiday season, let’s remember that gardening is not just about planting seeds and reaping harvests; it’s about nurturing traditions, savoring the fruits (or tubers) of our labor, and sharing the love of good food with family and friends.

So, happy gardening, dear members, and even happier eating! May your holiday tables be laden with potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and all the delicious memories they bring.