Why are potatoes sometimes green?

When potatoes are exposed to light they can make chlorophyll, which turns them green. A bitter compound known as solanine, which can be toxic if eaten in quantity, forms during this process. Avoid eating potato skin or flesh that has a green tint: Cut off green portions or peel until only white flesh is exposed.

To prevent the greening process, store unwashed potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for up to two months for baking varieties; new potatoes keep for a week. Temperatures above 70 degrees can cause potatoes to shrivel or sprout. Sprouting is also associated with increased amounts of solanine, so always remove any growths before eating.

Do not refrigerate potatoes: At temperatures below 40 degrees , the vegetable's starches can turn to sugar, resulting in an overly sweet taste and excessive browning during cooking. And consider purchasing individual potatoes instead of a bulk bag. This way you can handpick the best specimens.

What is a window well?

A window well is a cutaway in the soil around a basement window that lets light in and serves as an emergency exit. U S building codes demand "egress" or a safe exit when a bedroom is located below ground. A window well or bulkhead (a sloping exterior door) satisfies the requirement.

In the former case, most building codes call for one window that is 5.7 square feet or larger and no more than 44 inches off the floor, so a person could boost himself up and out.

To make a window well, the soil outside must be cut back around the window, creating a landing that is at least 3 feet by 3 feet. There also needs to be a reinforcing system, such as a metal or wooden wall, to hold the soil in place. And if the outside landing is more than 44 inches below ground, there must be a ladder or steps. Check your local building codes for additional requirements.

Some window wells have grates to prevent people from tumbling in and to provide security. You may also install bubblelike covers, which keep water from draining onto the landing and then seeping into the basement. Grates or covers must be designed to be opened easily from the inside.

What are the benefits of time-release fertilizer?

Time-release, or controlled-release, fertilizer gradually delivers the nutrients plants need -- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium -- over a fixed period. This can range from a few months to a year.

The nutrients are encapsulated in spheres, called "prills," made of a resin that dissolves slowly . While conventional fertilizers must be applied regularly throughout the season, time-release varieties need to be used only at planting time. In most cases, additional fertilizers are not necessary.

With time-release formulas, you don't have to worry about clumping, which can be a problem when granular fertilizers are exposed to humidity. And unlike powder or liquid kinds, which must be diluted in water, time-release fertilizer is ready to use -- just distribute the prills within the top 3 inches of soil.

Don't apply it too early. The prills are engineered to dissolve in warm temperatures (generally above 70 degrees ). Freezing temperatures can damage the coatings, causing all nutrients to be released on the first warm day.

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