Autumn-grown potatoes

[Anonymous]

If planting late August for autumn cropping, can certified seed be bought at this time of year?

[opabinia51]

Are you asking about certified organic seed? What type of seed are you looking for?


If you are talking about Certified Organic Seed, then yes you can purchase it this time of year from seed catalogues, small businesses (that you can find on line) and some nurseries.

[Anonymous]

The variety's not important as such, although I presume it will have to be an early because of the shortish (and regressive) growing season.

Interestingly, most, of the few, people I've talked to about this think it's an odd thing to do.

[Newt]

Interestingly, most, of the few, people I've talked to about this think it's an odd thing to do.

Hi Ret Dee,

What's an odd thing to do, using certified (I'm thinking you mean certified organic) seed or planting in late August for fall harvest?

I see you are in France. Most of France is hardiness zone 8, with some zone 7 and some zone 9. Our readers here range from hardiness zones of 1 to 11. Maybe we aren't thinking about your hardiness zone in relation to fall harvest.

Newt

[Anonymous]

Thanks Opa, thanks Newt,

Growing spuds after the "normal" harvest raises the eyebrows.

[opabinia51]

You know Ret Dee, you can purchase seed potatoes in the spring that you harvest in the fall. Ie. Plant them in the spring.

I'm just thinking that August until say; October is not very long for the plants to grow and the tubers to have carbohydrates deposited in them.

I personally just planted this years potatoe crop last Saturday (I live in a very temperate climate. Thanks to the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.)

Also, I don't know if you grow other plants as well but, Corn and potatoes are companion plants and can be planted together in the same rows and actually feed eachother and attract beneficial insects that support one another. Furthermore, peas and/or beans can be thrown into the mix.

Good luck with your potatoes!