How to Find Seed Potatoes
Seed potatoes begin to appear for sale in the late winter. For the first-time potato gardener, finding seed potatoes might be a challenge as they are not generally carried in city grocery stores. Regular grocery store potatoes are not recommended for using as seed, as there is the possibility that they have been treated with chemicals in order to prevent sprouting or for longer storage. Knowing where to look for seed potatoes makes the job easier. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Check garden centers in your town. Most garden centers begin carrying seed potatoes in January or early February and will often have dozens of varieties to choose from.
-
2
Look in the phone book for animal feed stores. Call the store to see if they have or will have seed potatoes for sale. Most feed stores carry a limited amount of seed potatoes and other garden seeds in the late winter or early spring.
-
-
3
Check any garden seed catalogs that you receive in the mail. Many seed suppliers carry seed potatoes which can be purchased by the pound.
-
4
Check the links provided by Oregon State University for seed potato suppliers. They offer links to dozens of websites that sell seed potatoes.
-
5
Check your local farmer's market. If you can find organically grown, untreated potatoes, they can be used as seed to start your own plants.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can also call your county extension agent. They often know which stores are offering seed potatoes in your county. If none are available, ask for the agent's phone number in adjoining counties to your own. Seed potatoes will need to be cut and cured before planting if the potato is larger than what is consider a "new" potato. Plan on purchasing seed potatoes at least one week before you intend to plant. The curing process can take up to 72 hours depending on the variety of the potato and the drying conditions. When choosing seed potatoes, look for tubers that have a large number of eyes. Each cut made to seed potatoes should include at least 2 eyes and an ounce or two of potato flesh. Seed potatoes will generally keep several months if stored in a dry, dark area.
