An interesting and quite different type of collecting, combining the interest of gardening with that of a collector and conservationist in a way that will quite quickly become financially lucrative.
Popularity
Growing a variety of potatoes gives extra interest to the growing observing the different growing habits, comparing yields and tuber shapes under varied growing conditions, Tasting the various flavours and suitability to different ways of cooking.
Location
Best done in a seed potato growing area, although not vital.
Age
Any age can take up this activity, as potatoes are quick growing, results of any efforts are seen in a very few weeks. from planting to bursting through the ground, growing, flowering to harvesting takes no more than 5 months.
Ability
Growing a collection of potatoes takes no more ability than growing a commercial crop.
Description
Many gardeners grow 50 seed potatoes, why not grow 25 different varieties, setting up your own mini gene bank, helping to save old favorite varieties. one seed potato will produce at least ten, leaving you with nine to eat or sell. The trepidation of burying the seed in the ground, the excitement as the first shoots burst through the ground, the nurturing of the growing crop to fulfill its potential, The expectation as harvesting approaches. This activity has it all.
Dedication
The same amount of dedication is necessary as with growing a normal crop of potatoes, extra care is necessary in the harvesting and storing as potatoes from each variety grown must be kept separate, and labeled at all stages of growing and storage.
Potential
The potential is having a crop you can either enjoy eating or sell. However as with most types of gardening, a specialist will soon find them self an attraction for the person wanting to grow that variety that they remember from childhood.
Closely
Related Activities
Gardening 736, Collecting 116, Conservation 313.
Cost
Growing potatoes has only the normal gardening requirements and costs, commercial seed potatoes cost a few pence each whereas a rare variety can cost a few pounds per tuber, As you are saving your own seed the cost should be a one off. Once established a grower should only have to replace a small percentage of crop per year, and sales should easily off set this.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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