- True Potato Seeds (TPS)... Here is some info from Joseph:
What Are True Potato Seeds? "True potato seeds are the seeds harvested from potato fruits. These seeds are also called "botanical potato seed" or "True Potato Seed", or "TPS" to differentiate them from "seed potatoes" which are genetically identical clones produced in large numbers by planting pieces of a potato stem or tuber or through tissue culture." Advantages to TPS: "One of the best advantages of planting true potato seeds is that I do not have to overwinter potato tubers. I can store many seasons seedstock in a paper envelope, and carry it in my pocket. Even if there is a 100% crop failure or if every tuber spoils in storage the unplanted seeds remain viable and ready to grow.True seeds are less likely than tubers to transmit disease to the next generation. And finally the tubers grown from true potato seeds are not boring, there is a lot of variety in flavor, color, size, and shape." Why True Potato Seeds? "By planting true potato seeds I am maintaining genetic diversity within my potatoes and I am developing potatoes that thrive on my farm with it's unique growing conditions, pests, soil, climate, and practices. If a new pest or disease appears or there are changes in climate or cultural practices they are unlikely to wipe out the entire population. The practice of planting cloned potatoes from roots is largely responsible for the Irish potato famine of the 1840s, and is how most growers produce potatoes today. Because I trial hundreds of genotypes per year by planting true potato seeds, my land-race potato crop develops horizontal resistance and becomes more acclimated to my farm, and less susceptible to our local pests and diseases. For example, during the 2010 growing season one of my seedlings produced potato tubers that were free of scabs and free of wireworms; the two biggest problems with potatoes in my garden." Read more here . How are they grown? "potato seeds are grown much like tomatoes. I start seeds in the greenhouse 6-8 weeks before the last frost, and transplant them into the garden where they grow and produce tubers just like any other potato plant. No more than 8 weeks should be allowed in order to minimize the chance of tuberization which disrupts the growth pattern of transplants. Due to the delicate nature of their stems, potato seedlings grow best in very bright light (direct sun or close to a grow light).The way that has worked easiest for me is to plant the potato seeds in a pot in 1/2" soil, and after the first true leaves form (in a month) to cover the stem right up to the leaves. I usually lay the stems down before covering them. Then a few weeks later I add more soil and cover the stem and lower leaves. Repeat as necessary. I plant about 3 to 6 seeds per pot and thin to the most vigorous seedling. After 8 weeks the potatoes are growing in about 2" of soil and are poking out of the soil about 2". Stolons are beginning to form so they need to get into the ground ASAP after 8 weeks. I bury most of the stem when transplanting. To continuously improve the planting stock I plant tubers from the best plants of the previous year's harvest and allow them to cross-pollinate with the seedlings. (Tubers from about 1/3 of the seedlings are saved for planting next year.) To increase diversity I add new genes to the population on a regular basis. In 2010 and 2011 I am growing seeds that were collected from populations endemic to Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile I am also growing mixed landraces from the Andes, Boliva, and Peru. Potato fruits look like marble sized green tomatoes. The seeds are collected in the fall. I do not worry about the potato fruits stealing vigor from the tubers, because plants that produce lots of fruit in my garden are vigorous and also produce lots of tubers." MORE INFO FROM JOSEPH |
- What is LANDRACE or adaptive Landrace?
"Landrace: A variety or collection of interbreeding varieties that were developed in a specific location with selection based more or less on survival of the fittest for that location." Johno The main reasons to develop landraces are for better adaptability to your home conditions, better flavour, more interesting results (colors and shapes), in tune with ancient growing practices, less stress (dont depend on companies for your seeds and forget about record keeping!) and its fun! Read the simple and concise definition, history and why its important here: Joseph Lofthouse's market garden and plant breeding website. CORN, Semi-Sweet Eating ((Originally From Joseph Lofthouse garden UT, now grown on our farm in Salmon Arm, BC)) Astronomy Domine: su. Open pollinated. Mulit-colored. Mid-season (70-75 days). Selected for colorful cobs at milk stage. That fabulous old-fashioned corn taste: Chewy and flavorful without being overly sweet. Very tolerant of cold spring soil. I plant 4 weeks before average last frost date. A robust landrace that is reliable and easy to grow. An excellent choice for tough growing conditions and for people wanting to save their own seeds. I consider this to be the best sweet corn I have to offer for an emergency survival stash. CORN, Dawson Creek dent/flour Oli and Naomi brought this red, yellow, and purple corn back from their family friends which has been grown and nurtured for over 50 years on their farm in Dawson Creek, BC. The whole plant is short (about 3ft) and its growth to maturity is a short season too! The cobs sun and air dried well on the stalks. Nixtamalize the kernels, grind em up and you have the making of the best and nutritious tortillas you've ever dreamed were possible. Or just grind the kernels dry and you have a delicious corn flour. ************************************************************************** If you have any other questions about the other seeds (tomatoes, peppers etc) ... like where did they come from, how to grow them and what I like to do with the harvest - let me know. Don't be shy I am your friendly neighbourhoos farmer gal : ) Happy planting! sarah |