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Garden Gate:  potatoes  |
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FG-Terri
Farmgirl in Training
26 Posts
Theresa
Newport News
VA
USA
26 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 15 2011 : 9:29:25 PM
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| This will be my 2nd year with a garden and I wanted to branch out just a little from last year. I would love to plant potatoes! Does anyone know if store bought potatoes that I may have forgot about, lol, that now have "eyes" on them can be planted? I have seen seed potatoes at the store and they look the same. Thanks in advance!! Terri |
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coloquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Susan
Co
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2011 : 9:48:02 PM
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I have been told that they are not the same, but from the article in Mother earth news it sounds like if you start with the right type of seed potato then the next year you may use them as seed. I believe I read that store bought potatos are genetically modified.
From Mother Earth news
"Occasionally potatoes produce true seeds, but they are easiest to propagate by replanting the actual potatoes. If you are a new gardener, start with certified disease-free seed potatoes. Resist the urge to eat several pounds of perfect, medium-sized potatoes — they will be great for planting the following year. Most experienced gardeners experiment with varieties and eventually assemble a collection of favorites. About 6 pounds of seed potatoes are needed to plant 50 feet of row — yield will vary from 75 to 125 pounds."
"(You could use supermarket potatoes, but be aware they have probably been treated with chemicals to inhibit sprouting, so they may not grow well.) Store your seed potatoes in the refrigerator."
Susan
Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-04-01/When-and-How-to-Plant-Potatoes.aspx#ixzz1GjcJlWWh
Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Growing-Potatoes.aspx?page=2#ixzz1GjbDurLr |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2011 : 9:55:28 PM
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Theresa, most store-bought potatoes are treated to retard the formation of eyes so they have a longer shelf life. Even if they do sprout there are sometimes lingering growth effects on the resulting shoots. That's why gardeners use seed potatoes which are harvested for the purpose of raising more potatoes in your garden and aren't treated. If your store bought potatoes are organic then they probably haven't been treated and would be okay to plant. It sure wouldn't hurt to try just to see what they will do.
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2011 : 04:21:39 AM
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Theresa~ last year I used store bought potatoes that had sprouted eyes and they did just fine. No harm in trying - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" ~Gandhi
embchicken.blogspot.com |
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FG-Terri
Farmgirl in Training
26 Posts
Theresa
Newport News
VA
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2011 : 07:02:14 AM
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| Thanks so much for all of your help! Think I will do both,lol, plant the store bought potato and plant a couple seed potatoes. |
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Garden Gate: potatoes |
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potatoes
