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).
About Talitha Purdy
In addition to being the primary vegetable and herb grower for Purdyville, Talitha is also chief pickler, canner, and bread baker. She grows flowers in between the vegetable rows and cuts them for arrangements. In her "spare" time she is developing her own sloper and sews many cool presents for her relatives--everything from capes to stuffed animals, and even a teepee! USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 AHS Heat Zone: 3Location: rural; Southern Tier of NYGeographic type: foothills of Appalachian MountainsSoil Type: acid clayExperience level: advanced beginnerParticular interests: herbs, vegetables, cutting garden
