Sage Garden Herbs - Potato, Norland

Potato, Norland

CAD $9.95

Description: 1 kg bag

Smooth red skin, shallow eyes white flesh. Very uniform tubers, with few internal of external irregularities. Moderate resistance to scab and rhizoctonia (black scurf).

Pre-Ordering is now finished for the season. Please see in store for availability.

Latin Name: Solanum tuberosum
Main Uses: Culinary

Zone Hardiness: Annual - 60 days
Exposure: Full sun
Germination Instructions: Seed potatoes are tubers (and not seeds), harvested specifically for propagation. Each tuber can be cut down to produce multiple plants, so long as each piece has one to three eyes. Smaller tubers are often planted whole, while larger ones are split up. If you decide to divide into multiple sections, expose the cut-up pieces to fresh air for 24 hours ahead of planting. Seed potatoes should also be at the same temperature as the soil, at time of planting. Finally, the soil should be dry when you plant, to reduce the chance of rot seeting in (it isa good idea to apply an natural fungicide such as Serenade at time of planting, to prevent fungal diseases).

Tubers should be planted at a depth of 25 - 25 cm, allowing the plant to develop a sturdy base. Early varieties can be planted 12 - 15 cm apart; mid season varieties at 25 - 30 cm; and late season at 30+ cm apart.

Notes: Seed potatoes can be planted when the soil is 5 - 10˙C, so long as conditions will be frost free once the tubers have sprouted above the soil line (approximately two weeks post-planting). It is very important that the tuber be at the same temperature as the soil you plant into, so it is a good idea to expose your seed potatoes to outdoor conditions for approximately 24 hours ahead of planting.

Potato, Norland

CAD $9.95

Growing in Containers: Can be grown in large, deep pots such as Smart Pots for Potatoes, or raised beds.

Fertilizing (Containers): Potatoes are heavy feeders, so plan on feeding with Acid Plant Food regularly through the season.

Watering (Containers): Regular, even watering is essential for success with potatoes in containers.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not well suited for mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden amended with plenty of compost. Plan on fertilizing with Acid Plant Food through the season.

Watering (Garden): Potatoes require regular watering to develop a good crop. Water deeply, and check often during hot weather.

Garden Companions:

Recommended to improver crop quality/flavour: beans, cabbage, corn and hoseradish
Recommended to deter potato beetles: coriander, nasturtium, catnip and tansy
Avoid planting: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and cucumbers

Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners: Potatoes do best in an acidic soil, loamy soil. Ideally, in ground plantings can be prepared a season ahead with the addition of compost, peat moss, pine needles or oaks leaves.

Potatoes should be grown in a 4 year rotation, cycling through one of four plots each year in the rotation. Container grown plants can be potted in the same container year to year, so long as the soil is changed and the container cleaned.

Pest/Disease Issues: Colorado Potato Beetle is the major pest concern for home gardeners. Intervention with pesticides (organic or otherwise) is not a very effective strategy; the key to dealing with potato beetles is through prevention:

Crop rotation is the first rule of thumb. A four year cycle is ideal, with no related species (tomato, pepper, eggplant) planted in a location where potatoes will be planted.
Containers are an effective way to reduce the occurrence of potato beetles. Choose large pots (minimum 10 gallon pot), or potato boxes made from wood framing.
Mulch in-ground crops of potatoes with straw (weed free). Apply a thick layer of straw mulch in potato rows. Mulching encourages habitat for beneficial insects.
Use floating row covers, which effectively keep beetles out while allowing air and light to penetrate the crop area.
Plant varieties that are less prone to beetle attack, such as Russet Burbank, Yukon Gold, or Norland.
Pick-off adult beetles, larvae, and eggs, if spotted. Drop into a bucket of soapy water, to kill the beetles, larvae or eggs. Some people vacuum their potato plants with a dust-buster, to remove and destroy beetles.

Seed Potatoes

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