It’s time to plant potatoes. The question many people have is when or why they should start with fresh seed.

I know I might ruffle a few feathers here, but I think starting new is a good way to ensure a healthy crop with fewer problems.

My dad used to save his own seed potatoes each year from the Katahdin variety he always grew. I don’t remember him having issues with them. However, living in Montana, where we have a strong seed potato industry, I appreciate the benefit of starting with fresh seed potatoes each season.

Prevent Disease with Fresh Seed Potatoes

A week ago I spoke with Nina Zidack, director of the Montana certified seed potato program at Montana State University in Bozeman, about the importance, particularly in Montana, of being careful of where we buy our seed potatoes. Montana supplies 10 to 15 percent of all seed potatoes in the country, which is why we have such a stringent seed potato certification program.

When farmers participate in the program, they purchase seed potato stock that start from tissue grown in the MSU lab. They can use it in the field for 5 years before having to start with fresh seed.

There can be problems when we use the seed potatoes for too many years. Especially if they’re planted in the same area. Aphids are one of the biggest culprits in spreading disease. The Colorado potato beetle is known to spread the potato mosaic virus. So not only is the Colorado potato beetle one of the most hated pests in the garden. (I even read an article that refers to it as the “international superpest”). It also can spread disease.

Avoiding Flea Beetles and Scab on Potatoes

Another problem pest for potatoes are flea beetles. I’ve seen this in numerous gardens, particularly when the gardener grows the potatoes in the same spot year after year, but that’s not always the case. I’ve also seen it in gardens where the potatoes are moved year to year. The flea beetles riddle the leaves with holes, but more importantly, they drill tiny tunnels in the potatoes, and can really make a mess of the crop. The place where I used to grow in the community garden was at a private residence, and the owner insisted on putting our potatoes in the same spot. They looked awful, but I couldn’t convince him to do anything differently.

Other issues with potatoes is scab. The Streptomyces scabies bacteria is in pretty much all of the soil, and it manifests more under some conditions. I have to harp again on planting the in the same place each season as one of the biggest reasons. Other possibilities is a higher pH soil, which is an issue we have out here. I’ve heard of gardeners using pine to work into the soil; sulfur works well, too, although you need to apply it months before planting in order for it to break down well enough to be utilized.

Misshapen Tubers

When you’re growing potatoes you also want to keep watering consistent. If you have too much, or too little, you’ll have misshapen tubers. An inch a week is usually a pretty good average. Also be sure you mulch them, or cover the potatoes with soil, throughout the season to prevent them from turning green in the sun.

Potatoes are really easy, and even though you can purchase them relatively cheaply in the grocery store, there’s nothing like digging and cooking fresh potatoes or having your own throughout the winter. The flavor is worth it!