Which of the following is a cool season crop?

Potatoes are classified as a cool season crop because they thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. They prefer growing in conditions where daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C), which helps them produce tubers effectively. This makes them well-suited for areas with a cooler climate or for early spring planting before the heat of summer sets in.

In contrast, eggplant and tomatoes are warm season crops that require higher temperatures to grow and mature, typically thriving in the hot summer months. Pumpkins also fall into the warm season category, as they grow best in warm weather and can be susceptible to frost. Thus, potatoes stand out among the options as a crop that benefits from the cooler conditions of early spring or late fall, making them the correct choice for a cool season crop.