Potatoes June/July

sobie

You can use ordinary potatoes, some people use peelings from their potatoes. But you do run the risk of viruses and other pests. Often people ask me why this is a problem now, and wasn't years ago. The answer is quite simple these pests and diseases are non-indigenous and have been imported into the uk in relatively recent years. To a home gardener, this isn't an issue you just don't grow potatoes in future - but to the british potato industry its devistating.

When buying seed potatoes you should be aware that their are different grades.
Certified/ CC potatoes are a low grade specification of seed potato. these can still contain small numbers of pests and diseases and eelworms.
BasicThis is the grade supplied by scottish seed potato growers. they are completely free from pests and diseases.
Prebasicthese are the seed potatoes used by growers to produce either Certified or Basic seed potatoes.

Another relatively new thing to look out for is seed potatoes labeled as Safe Haven. http://www.potato.org.uk/growing/plant-health/safe-haven

In all likely hood, basic seed potatoes, that were left in the soil and develop spuds the following year will carry a small risk of developing viruses/ pests.

Hope that helps answer the questions.

trollopscarletwoman

Linda32 wrote: »

Its really just a case of 'not best practice' you can do that and you are likely to get a crop. But these always a chance of introducing viruses.

That said, when you do plant the seed potatoes and harvest them you will, without a doubt miss some and the following year they will sprout so if these in turn produce a crop, whats the difference?

Yes, you always miss some and they do grow.

My old man never bothered with virus free seed spuds he just got one that was sprouting in the 56lb sack and planted it. Did reasonably well.

safestored4

Nothing to do with potatoes but you mention in your last post that you have sowed carrots. These need protection from carrot fly or you will not get a decent crop. Just type in "How to protect carrots from carrot fly" and you will a variety of suggestions.

M0ney

Thanks everyone for all the input a good yield would be great but at the moment I'm trying to learn what I can and get some food out of it at the end, so the advice on here is great as there are always things to consider that an inexperienced gardener wouldn't think of.