The Conservative Cave

Interests => Around the House & In the Garage => Topic started by: IassaFTots on June 04, 2011, 07:57:06 AM

Title: Potatoes
Post by: IassaFTots on June 04, 2011, 07:57:06 AM
I just harvested potatoes that I grew from some seed potatoes I picked up.  Is their anyway to use some of those potatoes for seed potatoes?  Or do I have to buy more?  I haven't been able to find a definitive answer. 
Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: debk on June 04, 2011, 09:45:28 AM
I thought new potatoes could be grown from the "eyes" on a potato? You know how they sprout little roots when you forget about them?

I remember starting sweet potato vines from a potato with tooth picks stuck into it around the middle and stuck in a mayonnaise or pickle jar. We always did them in elementary school and would have them lined up along the classroom window ledge to see how long it would take to sprout and who's would get the biggest.

As hot as it's been, put a couple into a paper bag, stick in the garage and see how fast they sprout. I keep onions in a bin on a shelf in my garage, and I noticed the other day, that one of them had sprouted. Only bought them a couple of weeks ago. Has to be the heat. :(

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: BattleHymn on June 04, 2011, 10:06:08 AM
I am told that potatoes at the store have been sprayed with an anti-sprouting agent, so they last longer on the shelf before going bad.  I've never really had good luck starting potatoes from the store (they seem to rot before they take), so there may be some truth to that. 
Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: catsmtrods on June 04, 2011, 02:34:22 PM
I am told that potatoes at the store have been sprayed with an anti-sprouting agent, so they last longer on the shelf before going bad.  I've never really had good luck starting potatoes from the store (they seem to rot before they take), so there may be some truth to that.  
That is the truth. Your home grown taters must be old enough to have eyes and they will grow. Store them in sand/sawdust/rice or anything thats dry in the basement or someplace cool. You can cut them in as many peices as they have eyes to plant.