Seed potatoes

[orezok]

I planted potatoes for the first time this year. I didn't know if I could grow them in the desert so I only planted a few. The grew great and I am harvesting them now. I have enough growing season left to do another crop but I can't find any source for seed potatoes that is not sold out. Any suggestions?

 

[bp fick]

I planted potatoes for the first time this year. I didn't know if I could grow them in the desert so I only planted a few. The grew great and I am harvesting them now. I have enough growing season left to do another crop but I can't find any source for seed potatoes that is not sold out. Any suggestions?

You could try drying out your small ones from this harvest for a few days in the sun. Then, try spray them down with the hose and plant them. You've nothing to lose. I had hundreds of "volunteers" come up this spring from last year's crop. Shoot, you can even transplant them from their volunteer location into nice rows, if you wish. I moved 60-70 plants that way this year.

You could also go to an organic market and buy some that are not sprayed with anti-sprout. Cut in half or thirds. Dry in the sun for a few days, then plant.

 

[forgeblast]

I really dont buy potatoes anymore, we usually have enough that I store them all winter long (with the dirt on) in a couple 5 gallon buckets. By spring time they look like spiders with the eyes growing out of them and I just stick them back into the ground.

 

[charlz]

You could try drying out your small ones from this harvest for a few days in the sun. Then, try spray them down with the hose and plant them. You've nothing to lose.

You could also go to an organic market and buy some that are not sprayed with anti-sprout. Cut in half or thirds. Dry in the sun for a few days, then plant.

I think the small ones will work fine if you follow bp_fick's advice to leave them sit out for a few days, they need light and mid temps to start the sprouting process.

Downside to using untreated potatoes from market or store is that you might be importing diseases to your soil. Seed potatoes are treated to prevent this.

 

[bp fick]

I think the small ones will work fine if you follow bp_fick's advice to leave them sit out for a few days, they need light and mid temps to start the sprouting process.

Downside to using untreated potatoes from market or store is that you might be importing diseases to your soil. Seed potatoes are treated to prevent this.

True enough. But organic farmers don't care about them being "treated". Thus, keeping your own seed is best, if you know it is clean. Getting seed from a clean source is second best. The OP is scrambling to get a second crop in, so this is just spit-balling, throwing out ideas for him. Hope he finds something to his liking.

 

[Bird]

Downside to using untreated potatoes from market or store is that you might be importing diseases to your soil. Seed potatoes are treated to prevent this.

I never even thought of that; just always used grocery store potatoes myself and they came out just fine.

 

[forgeblast]

some store potatoes are also treated not to sprout.
Potato Breeding Overview
is a good site also i buy most of mine, when i need more from
Welcome to Ronniger Potato Farm LLC

 

[randy41]

the difference between potatoes and seed potatoes is that seed potatoes are usually tested and certified to be disease free.