Potatoes

January 11th, 2006 by Talitha Purdy · No Comments

As I’m beginning to get started on my seed order this year, I remember that I meant to post on potatoes. Last year, due to the fascinating varieties offered by Fedco, I ordered my potatoes from them instead of Johnny’s. Most of you probably know that Fedco is divided into several distinct branches; the seeds ship from Fedco Seeds, the potatoes from Moose Tubers. Well, much to my disappointment, I am not nearly so happy with the potatoes as I have been with my seeds from Fedco, and will be ordering my potatoes from Johnny’s this year (last year prices were almost exactly the same, and I trust they haven’t changed).

I don’t recall ever getting a less than perfect potato from Johnny’s; in my Fedco order, several had been sliced almost–but not quite–in half. The wound looked as though it had healed, but it wasn’t promising. A few were also moldy upon arrival. Quite frankly, I don’t think the loss in quality is worth the wider selection. Most potatoes just taste like potatoes anyway. Of all the new varieties I tried last year, nothing stood out to me. (I should also add that I didn’t complain to Fedco about the quality of the potatoes, so it’s possible that if you’re more vocal than me you would get compensation of some sort. I don’t know.)

I have a sneaking suspicion that Johnny’s seeds may also have a better germination rate, but I haven’t tested that out. And, if that was the case, I’m still more inclined to buy seeds from Fedco due to lower cost, more seed, and greater variety. I can get more different types of vegetables, and try out more varieties with Fedco. I may have to start a few extra seeds to get the final amount of plants, but I’ll still have paid less. Often times, like with the peppers I tried last year (and were the most successful pepper planting ever on this property, which I suppose isn’t saying much) aren’t offered at Johnny’s. . . or anywhere else besides Fedco, to my knowledge (which is quite limited, but you go with what you know).