2021 Makah Ozette Potato Seed Crop Lost to Grasshoppers
We regret to announce our crop of Makah Ozette potato seed for the spring 2021 distribution was lost to grasshoppers. Although this second, consecutive setback is trying, it’s a temporarily interruption in our mission to improve the availability of seed for Makah Ozette enthusiasts, our community and school gardens.
We acknowledge the agricultural challenges our farmers face every day due to climate change, and we are grateful to our Presidium grower, John Hoggan of Grand Teton Organic Farm, for his unwavering commitment to sustainable growing practices and his steadfast support of Slow Food.
Last year, John planted 200 pounds of pre-basic seed which will be ready for distribution in the spring of 2022. We are also in the process of securing another 80 pounds of G-2 pre-basic seed to plant this year to increase the 2022 yield of certified organic seed.
The recent challenges have provided us an opportunity to improve our program, consider diversification options to help mitigate wide-spread crop loss, support food sovereignty efforts, and expand our network to create a stronger, more inclusive program. For more information, questions, comments or to volunteer, please contact us at info@slowfoodseattle.org.
What Can We Do This Year?
Save Seeds
The age-old practice of seed saving preserves food culture and supports biodiversity by promoting a rich variety of heirloom crops shared among communities. Saving a few potatoes from one harvest can help ensure a harvest of potatoes in your garden the following year and save a little money. Keep in mind that after a few generations of saved and replanted potatoes, they will become less prolific and more prone to disease, which is why we rely on certified seed potato growers to propagate organic seed from disease-free mother plants.
Seed Saving Tips:
Store the unwashed tubers in a ventilated area between 35°-40°. The refrigerator works well, and the back of the top shelf is usually the coldest area.
Keep the tubers dry.
During storage, the tubers may grow sprouts. If the sprouts emerge earlier than two weeks of planting, carefully remove the sprouts so they don’t draw on and expend the tuber. Not to worry, another sprout will emerge later.
Short on Seed?
To increase the number of potato plants, cut each seed potato into large segments, making sure there are at least three eyes (elongated dimples) in each piece. Dry the tubers with a clean cloth and allow the cut ends to air-dry for a few days and “callous over” with a protective layer before planting. A light coating of cedar dust can also be used to help dry the cut surfaces.
Join Our Makah Ozette Seed Exchange on Facebook
Do you have extra Makah Ozette potato seed to share or are looking for a few seeds for your garden? Join our seed exchange group on Facebook to connect with other Makah Ozette enthusiasts and growers to exchange information, tips and seed: https://www.facebook.com/groups/400875610993000
More information: Growing Seed / Growing Potatoes
Limited outdoor space or new to gardening? Try growing a few seeds in a container. It’s low-risk, educational and very rewarding: http://www.slowfoodseattle.org/blog/2020/2/28/grow-makah-ozette-potatoes-container
Listen to a delightful podcast about the process of growing seed potatoes at the University of Idaho’s Potato Germplasm Program. This episode of the Vandal Theory features Director Jenny Durrin: https://soundcloud.com/uidaho/episode-28-jenny-durrin-the-potato-nursery