Potatoes are easier to grow, thriving in just about any good soil, including sandier soil. Some varieties can even be grown inside in containers. While they do need quite a bit of water, so does corn.

Corn can only be grown in rows, with lots of space, because it needs other plants for pollination. It's well-known as a robber crop. That's why the Native American growing method includes, with each planted kernel, beans and squash and a fish head when available, to supplement the nutrients in the soil that corn sucks out without replacing anything. (Corn, beans and squash grown together are sometimes called The Three Sisters.)

Potatoes, depending on the variety, are comparable or superior to corn in carbohydrates, protein and calories, and contain more iron and vitamin C, which are the main mineral and vitamin in corn. Corn does contain fat, though, in the form of corn oil, which potatoes don't have.

Corn can be stored dry and ground into meal, but potatoes can be dried and made into flour, and also store whole in cellars for limited periods.

Not a bad trade.

Check it out: potatoes and corn.