For many years I ordered my Potatoes from Wood Prairie Farm owned by Jim and Megan Gerritsen. They’ve been an organic farm for more than 30 years and they raise all the potatoes they sell.
Just so you’ll know, Jim as President of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA) is making history with the suit he (joined by 82 other seed businesses, trade organizations and family farmers) filed against Monsanto. The lawsuit challenges the validity of the patent on GMO seeds.
Back to Potatoes
Some of my favorite varieties over the years offered by Wood Prairie Farm have been Butte, Rose Gold and Yukon Gold. I also enjoy King Harry because the potato beetles don’t like it. Its leaves have little hairs on them that evidently the potato beetles object to. So if you have a big problem with potato beetles you might want to try this one.
Last year, with the exception of King Harry, I decided to go back to some varieties that I know will give me heavier crops and Wood Prairie Farm doesn’t carry them.
Fortunately, there’s the Maine Potato Lady. They too are an organic farm. They use to raise all their potatoes, but now they get their seed potatoes from other neighboring farms they trust and sell organic seed potatoes as well as conventionally grown.
My Favorite Varieties
Last year I ordered my old favorites Chieftan and Kennebec.
Chieftan is an early to mid-seasoned red skinned variety with nice white flesh.
Kennebec is a very popular variety and one that really does well for me. These white fleshed tubers are delicious and very dependable under most growing conditions.
I wasn’t disappointed. Both varieties did great and the yields were heavy even though I could hardly stay away from my row of Chieftan when new potatoes were forming.
Prices
Main Potato Lady prices are reasonable. Lower than some, higher than others. The Organic Chieftans this year are 2.5 pounds for $ 6.35 and 5 pounds for $ 10.75. The Organic Kennbecs are a bit higher. (2.5 pounds plants a 12 to 20 foot row)
Order Early
I order early to get the best selection. Also, January 30th is the latest possible date you can order from Main Potato Lady to get a March shipping date.
I usually don’t plant my potatoes in March, but like to have them in March so I can pre-sprout for better growth when I plant them in the garden.
Final Thought
Give ordering those potatoes some thought as soon as you can. By ordering early you’ll have the best selection and have them in plenty of time.
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Related Posts
Growing Potatoes – It’s Hard to Mess-up!
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Organic Gardening is easy, efficient, effective and its a lot healthier.
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Thanks for the great resources! We had great trouble with potato beetles last year. Hubby spent much time doing his kung fu finger flick on those rascals. I am glad to know about the King Harry!
Hi Farming Bear,
I hope the “kung fu finger flick” killed them, because if they were just tossed a few feet away — they will come right back. The potato plants are like a magnet for them.
Theresa
I asked him and he said there is no way they could live. He’s taken martial arts for over 22 years so I believe him. He hits hard so I assume he flicks hard too
Last year was our first year with potatoes. We’ll try King Harry and others and see how it all pans out this year. Thanks again for the great recommendations!
You must have wimpy bugs. The ones where I live “take a licking and keep on ticking”. You might be amazed to see what they can go through and still lay eggs on your potato plants. I think I’ll stay on the safe side, wear gloves and smoosh mine.