Second generation

Why do people use old potatoes etc, that have sprouted, to grow new ones from?

My next door neighbour gave me some 'New' potatoes which were second if not third generation potaoes, they fall apart and taste dry and earthy like anything that is not new.

If you want NEW veg etc then use New seeds. Cost cutting produces bad tasting stuff and is false ecconomy.

Re: Second generation

I would never save spuds-probably because I`m no expert in growing them but more so the risk of disease.

Tomato seeds I do but I know my way around those. Back in my early allotment days some old `lads` saved peas and beans and no harm in that.

One thing to avoid is saving pumpkin/squash/courgette seeds-they are randier than rabbits on viagra and will cross at the drop of a flower

Re: Second generation

My grandparents saved seeds and had a nice productive garden. The plants were adapted to the local climate and had been vigorous and well tended, so the offspring were strong and healthy. In those days there weren't the many places to order seeds from, and money was tight in the Great Depression, so it made sense. Less so today of course, but I see no real reason not to save seed if, as OG says, you know what you are doing.

Re: Second generation

We save runner bean seeds and every couple of years introduce 'new blood' with some seed from another source. So far so good, not bought runner seeds for 10 years

Mind you, we have bought so called salad potato seed potatos (sp ) each year and they STILL produce spuds that fall apart when gently boiled. Gone on about this on another thread so I'll shut up now

Re: Second generation

and they STILL produce spuds that fall apart when gently boiled.

You could try the `Fred` method-sing to them as in right said Fred?

I`m too sexy for my spud

I grow them but the`re dud

Hot water, cool or freeze

They crumble at my knees

I`m too sexy for my spud...............................

Re: Second generation

Growing potatoes is like any other vegitable growing, an art.
Potatoes grow best in very loose packed soil with reasonable drainage and an acidy content though to much acid will stunt their growth. To much nitrogen in the soil will result in a lot of folilage and few potatoes.
It is best planting them when the soil starts to warm up with no chance of frost or you will need to cover them with sacking.
Dig your trench, about a 5-6 inch deep and fill the bottom with well rotted compost and place your seed potatoes in allowing about 12 inch between them and cover with soil.

Dont let the ground dry out but do not over water.
Over boiling any potatoes will result in them falling apart.
Boiling time depends on thier size.
Making them into chips is also an art and one that I grew up learning from my parents when we lived in a chippy.

Re: Second generation

That's very helpful, AB, wil keep it in mind for next year. What do you think of those grow bags for potatoes for those who have little space?

Re: Second generation

In my experience Eileen, grow bags for potatoes come in all forms but can be good for people who have limited space.

Bags without soil or compost, you use your own, so the same rules apply as for growing out doors. ( IMO the best as you control the contents ).

Bags with filling can have too much nitrogen in them and need to be watched carefully for moisture, either to wet or to dry.

With 'Kits' you get The bag, Potatoes and fertilizer with them but different manufacturers use different types of fertilizer so the growing period can vary, also the potatoes may not be the type that you want.

With all types the watering and drainage is the most important thing to watch.

Best of luck if you use this method.

Re: Second generation

I appreciate the info! I'll give it a try next year.