{"product_id":"seed-potato-bintje","title":"Seed Potato - Bintje (Certified Organic) - PRE ORDER FOR APRIL 2027","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1 kg bag certified seed potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBintje is a popular late-season storage potato. This high yielding classic is versatile in the kitchen, whether for roasting, baking, or mashing. \u003cstrong\u003eHeirloom\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tabs-1\"\u003eGeneral Info\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tabs-2\"\u003ePlanting\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tabs-3\"\u003eGrowing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tabs-4\"\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tabs-1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLatin Name: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eSolanum tuberosum\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMain Uses: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCulinary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDays to Maturity: \u003c\/b\u003e100\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003edays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eExposure: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tabs-2\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seed potatoes are tubers (and not actually seeds). Each tuber can be cut down to produce multiple plants, so long as each piece has one to three eyes. Smaller tubers are often planted whole, while larger ones are divided up. If you decide to divide into multiple sections, expose the cut-up pieces to fresh air for 24 hours ahead of planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeed potatoes are a cool season crop and can be planted when the soil is 5 - 10˚C, so long as conditions will be frost free once the tubers have sprouted above the soil line (approximately two weeks post-planting). \u003c\/span\u003eSeed potatoes should be at the same temperature as the soil, at time of planting, so it is recommended to set the potatoes out over night in a brown paper bag at the planting site to allow them to adjust. Soil should be dry when you plant, to reduce the chance of rot (it is a good idea to apply a natural fungicide at time of planting, to prevent fungal diseases; see in store for recommendations).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant tubers at a depth of 25 cm (10\"), allowing the plant to develop a sturdy base. You can \"hill' soil around the initial base as the plat develops, stating when they are 15 cm (6\") tall, to encourage more tubers. Early varieties can be planted 12 - 15 cm (about 6\") apart; mid season varieties at 25 - 30 cm (10 -12\"); and late season at 30+ cm (12+ inches) apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ideal soil for potatoes is a slightly acidic sandy loam with lots of well rotted organic material mixed in. That said, potatoes can grow well in heavier soils and can even be planted into straw mixed with compost!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tabs-3\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowing in Containers: \u003c\/b\u003ePotatoes grow very well\u003cspan\u003e in large, deep pots such as Root Pouches or raised beds. A minimum 15 gallon container is recommended. Productivity goes down for potatoes if the root system gets too warm - yet they grow best in a sunny location. To buffer against the soil heating up too much in containers, try mulching on top of the soil or tucking the container out of the heat while leaving the plant in a sunny, exposed position.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFertilizing (Containers): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotatoes are heavy feeders and do best where soil is slightly acidic (pH of 5.0 - 6.5). The lower the soil pH, the more fertilizer is required to achieve the same benefit (due to differences in up take regulated by pH). A simple soil test kit is helpful for measuring soil pH for both containers and the garden. So, the ideal fertilizer is an organic acid-plant fertilizer (may not be labelled as \"potato food\", but as long as it is balanced it will be well suited). Apply regularly through the season. Addition of bonemeal at time of planting is highly recommended, as this encourages strong root development. Potatoes thrive on organic matter, so amending potting mixes with generous amounts quality compost is very beneficial. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWatering (Containers): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular, even watering is essential for success with potatoes in containers. Consistent soil moisture levels go a long ways towards healthy potato plants, which will in turn produce the best crop. Avoid peaks and valleys! Potatoes require approximately 6 cm (2\") of water per week.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowing in Mixed Planters: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot well suited for mixed planters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFertilizing (Garden): \u003c\/b\u003ePotatoes are heavy feeders and do best where soil is slightly acidic (pH of 5.0 - 6.5). The lower the soil pH, the more fertilizer is required to achieve the same benefit (due to differences in up take regulated by pH). A simple soil test kit is helpful for measuring soil pH for both containers and the garden. So, the ideal fertilizer is an organic acid-plant fertilizer (may not be labelled as \"potato food\", but as long as it is balanced it will be well suited). Apply regularly through the season. Addition of bonemeal at time of planting is highly recommended, as this encourages strong root development. Potatoes thrive on organic matter, so amending garden soil with generous amounts quality compost is very beneficial. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWatering (Garden): \u003c\/b\u003eRegular, even watering is essential for success with potatoes in the garden. Consistent soil moisture levels go a long ways towards healthy potato plants, which will in turn produce the best crop. Avoid peaks and valleys! Mulching around plants will help keep soil evenly moist (and also keeps weeds down). Potatoes require approximately 6 cm (2\") of water per week.\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecial Requirements for Potatoes: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotatoes do best in an acidic soil, loamy soil. Ideally, in ground plantings can be prepared \u003cstrong\u003ea season ahead\u003c\/strong\u003e with the addition of compost, peat moss, pine needles or oaks leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotatoes should be grown in a 4 year rotation, cycling through one of four plots each year in the rotation. Container grown plants can be potted in the same container year to year, so long as the soil is changed and the container cleaned. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePest\/Disease Issues: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColorado Potato Beetle is the major pest concern for home gardeners. Intervention with pesticides (organic or otherwise) is not a very effective strategy; the key to dealing with potato beetles is through prevention:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrop rotation\u003c\/strong\u003e is the first rule of thumb. A four year cycle is ideal, with no related species (tomato, pepper, eggplant) planted in a location where potatoes will be planted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainers\u003c\/strong\u003e are an effective way to reduce the occurrence of potato beetles. Choose large pots (minimum 10 gallon pot), or potato boxes made from wood framing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch\u003c\/strong\u003e in-ground crops of potatoes with straw (weed free). Apply a thick layer of straw mulch in potato rows. Mulching encourages habitat for beneficial insects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse floating row covers\u003c\/strong\u003e, which effectively keep beetles out while allowing air and light to penetrate the crop area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant varieties\u003c\/strong\u003e that are less prone to beetle attack, such as Russet Burbank, Yukon Gold, or Norland.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePick-off adult beetles, larvae, and eggs\u003c\/strong\u003e, if spotted. Drop into a bucket of soapy water, to kill the beetles, larvae or eggs. Some people vacuum their potato plants with a dust-buster, to remove and destroy beetles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tabs-4\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotatoes can be harvested at a variety of stages through the growing season, with new potatoes generally ready 8 - 10 weeks after planting. For full sized tubers, harvest soon after plants wither and die-back on top (leaving them too long after die-back may cause rot on the tubers). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvesting should be done carefully to ensure best storage of the tubers. Many growers of small to medium potato patches will dig by hand to avoid bruising the potatoes, while a pitch fork or other tools may be used (carefully!) for larger crops. Harvest when conditions are dry and do not wash dirt off, only brush gently to remove any dirt and expose and rot or disease spots (discard any diseased tubers). Potatoes should be cured for about two weeks by laying them out on cardboard or newsprint in a cool, dark and well ventilated location; this makes the skins tougher and significantly improves storage ability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce potatoes are cured, they can be stored in brown paper bags at about 4˚C - for example in the fridge or cold storage room. Avoid storing potatoes in \"musty\" conditions. Avoid storing near apples, as the ethylene gas from ripening apples will undermine the storage life of potatoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Eagle Creek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1193281228,"sku":"17728374","price":12.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/5693\/products\/Potato_-Bintje.jpg?v=1425060119","url":"https:\/\/sagegarden.ca\/products\/seed-potato-bintje","provider":"Sage Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}