Certified seed potatoes vs saved spuds

happydog · January 15, 2014

How important is it to start with certified seed for the backyard grower? On the one hand it would sure be nice to plant the spuds I grew last year and save on seed costs. On the other hand, I don't want to inadvertently spread disease and contaminate my garden.

Last year I tried a half dozen new varieties. My favorite was Yellow Finn. This year I can either order new Yellow Finn seed potatoes, or I can hold back 5# of them from the root cellar. What do you think?

January 15, 2014	#1
happydog Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Appalachian Mountains NC Posts: 151	Certified seed potatoes vs saved spuds How important is it to start with certified seed for the backyard grower? On the one hand it would sure be nice to plant the spuds I grew last year and save on seed costs. On the other hand, I don't want to inadvertently spread disease and contaminate my garden. Last year I tried a half dozen new varieties. My favorite was Yellow Finn. This year I can either order new Yellow Finn seed potatoes, or I can hold back 5# of them from the root cellar. What do you think?