New seed potatos or last years crop which is sprouting?

[Dandytown]

Any thoughts on whether to use last years crop which is sprouting vrs buying a new lot?


Hopfully Ill gain some experience this year so that I can give good advice instead of always asking for it.  Your help is always appreciated
Thanks  :)

[Dandytown]

[birdsrfun]

I'd use them but many will say watch out for disease/pest problems they may be carrying.

[lottie lou]

I am going to use some of my Skerry Blues as the seed is very expensive if you include the postage.

[chriscross1966]

I'll be using spome of my COngo for seed.... but it was pot grown in manure fromm microtubers so should be pretty disease free....

[Robert_Brenchley]

If you're careful only to use clean tubers you should be OK for the odd year or two. Blight survives over winter in tubers, but it's pretty obvious. The longer-term danger is viruses; they're spread by aphids, and build up over time. Seed potatoes are grown in places like Scotland where the climate ensures that aphids have a much shorter season, and less chance to infect the spuds.

[saddad]

When HSL offered micro tubers in the 90's I was able to grow Aura from my own seed for about 8 years before the yeild dropped so far that they weren't worth growing anymore. I now have some "new" seed which is on it's third season without noticable decline..  :)

[shirlton]

We use our own nadine seed potatoes every other year just in case they are carrying any disease

[Stevens706]

Shirlton, Thats my plan, use new seed potatoes every 2 years, this year they are all newly bought.

[Dandytown]

Thanks everyone.  I guess I will try it for this and order new or next.