OK, Now we talk POTATOES – they are easy, easy, PotatoPeasy ;)

Michell Valley Plants carries Certified Seed Potatoes – “Why certified?” you might query. Simply put, they have been inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and have been tested for a panel of diseases – a good thing. Query #2 “What do we have?” 👍HUCKLEBERRY GOLD – Low GI Gourmet Seed Potatoes – late summer harvest High in antioxidants - a great substitute for Yukon Gold potatoes, with greater health benefits! Great roasted, baked, or boiled. 👍CRISTINA: early season harvest – very high yield. Ideal for boiling, French frying, chipping and baking. 👍YUKON GOLD: mid-season harvest. Large cultivar of potato with thin, smooth, eye-free skin and yellow-tinged flesh. Superb for mashing; or in soups & chowders; great for roasting and sautéing, too! 👍NORLAND: early season harvest – high yield. Ideal for boiling, French frying, chipping and baking. 👍WARBA: a very early season maturing potato that are round with white skin that have deep red eyes and white flesh. Great for baking and boiling. 👍RUSSET BURBANK: a late season maturing potato that are long with yellow skin and white flesh. They are great for chipping, baking (don’t forget the sour cream), hash browns and frying. 👍PACIFIC RUSSET: early season harvest – very high yield. Ideal for boiling, and French frying. Query #3 When to Plant? How to Plant? When: April– they like the cool weather for planting (but it’s still cool enough) Prep: • Cut potato into chunks containing 1 to 2 ‘eyes’ (about the size of a hen’s egg) • Leave open cuts to open air for 1-3 days to callous over Planting: 6 – 8 hrs sun • well drained, loose, loamy soil • sprout-side-up 3” to 4” deep • 10” - 12” between plants; and 30” - 36” between rows • You can also plant in large planters for smaller spaces {patios & balconies :) } Harvesting: • You can harvest by simply reaching into the top few inches of soil with your fingers and feeling around for them. • Your main harvest begins when the plants' tops begin to die back. Dig up the potatoes and allow them to cure, or dry, in a cool, well-ventilated area for a couple of weeks. Then brush away any excess soil and store the remainder in a dry, cool, dark place with good ventilation. So, spuds, taters, or tatties – a rose by any other name is still a Potato :) Hope you enjoyed this mini introduction to growing your own ! Where can you find us? Michell Valley Plants Central Saanich - corner of the Pat Bay Hwy and Island View Road - right behind Michell's Farm Market Spring Hours - 9 to 5 Daily ! Keep in touch by checking our Seller's List and by visiting: Instagram @michellvalleyplants Facebook page by clicking the link below.