{"product_id":"metchosin-farm-originals-seed-potato-mix","title":"Metchosin Farm Originals Seed Potato Mix","description":"\u003cp\u003eA one-of-a-kind collection featuring 12 unique potato varieties, each grown from true potato seeds and never before seen in any garden. These first-generation tubers are the result of Metchosin Farm's potato breeding project and offer gardeners the chance to grow, harvest, and name their very own varieties!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant these 1-year-old tubers whole, as you would with regular seed potatoes, and watch as they develop into much larger tubers by the end of their second growing season. The plants are highly decorative, producing vibrant flowers that vary in colour, adding a beautiful touch to your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompanion plants like beans, corn, and marigolds work well with these potatoes, enriching the soil and deterring pests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere Can You Grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mix thrives in well-draining soil with full sun and is suitable for Zones 4-9. Plant in traditional garden beds, raised beds, or containers for versatile growing options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unique seed potato mix is the product of Metchosin Farm's innovative potato breeding program, designed to create new, exciting varieties for home gardeners. By growing these original seed potatoes, you become part of the ongoing story of potato diversity, contributing to the creation and preservation of unique varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant seed potatoes in early spring for a summer harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in mid-spring after the ground has warmed, harvesting in late summer or early autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 2-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start planting as soon as the soil is workable in spring and harvest before the first frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow Seed Potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare the Soil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure well-drained, fertile soil. Enrich with compost or organic matter before planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant whole tubers 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in rows. Space rows 60cm (24in) apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHilling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mound soil around the stems as the plants grow to protect tubers and encourage yields.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dig up tubers in the fall, saving your largest and favourite ones for replanting next year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Save Potato Seed Fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotato seed fruit, or berries, can be saved to grow new potato plants. Follow these steps:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest the Berries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow potato plants to produce and ripen their small green or purple seed fruit. Harvest when the berries are soft and fully mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtract the Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slice the berries open and scoop out the seeds along with the surrounding gel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Place the seeds and gel in a jar with a small amount of water. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for 2-3 days, stirring daily to break up the gel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRinse and Dry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse the seeds thoroughly, removing any remaining pulp. Spread the seeds on a clean towel or screen to dry completely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store the dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 2-5 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Growing potatoes from true seed is more complex and often used to create new varieties, making this mix a rare and exciting opportunity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48963934355698,"sku":"MF-POTATO-004","price":12.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/IMG_3841-scaled_82200361-0820-4bc0-b1ac-33956607d0a8.jpg?v=1772481919","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/metchosin-farm-originals-seed-potato-mix","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}