CCE Monroe Presents Virtual Workshop May 7
You might wonder why it’s worth growing potatoes in your home garden when stores are already full of them, and they are so inexpensive. Homegrown potatoes, fresh from the soil, taste so much better than those from long storage. They are nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and if you’ve never had homegrown potatoes, you’re in for a real treat.
The “Homegrown Potatoes – Virtual Workshop” organized by Cornell Extension of Monroe County, in collaboration with Fraser’s Garlic Farm, invites aspiring urban and suburban gardeners, community garden members, school garden educators, and homesteaders who want to try growing something new. The event will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Farmer and local grower Ed Fraser will explain key steps to successful potato growing, from planting to harvesting and storage. Walter De Jong from the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell will share insights into the potato breeding program, focusing on traits such as improved taste, higher yield, greater resistance to pests and diseases, and increased tolerance to climate change.
The cost of the workshop is $20 per person. Participants can also purchase a seed Potato Medley bag at registration, containing four unique varieties:
- AmaRosa Fingerling – With smooth red skin and creamy red flesh that resists fading during cooking, this high-yielding variety is great fried, roasted, boiled, steamed, or as pink chips.
- Gold Rush – Known for its white, flaky flesh, it is perfect for baking, boiling, and frying. It’s also excellent for winter storage, making it an ideal homestead crop.
- Lehigh – A high-yielding, yellow-fleshed, mid-to-late season potato variety, with all- purpose options. It is ideal for baking, boiling, mashing, and frying.
- Magic Molly – With purple skin and dark purple flesh, this fingerling is great for roasting.
Orders come in 3 lb. bags for $15 each and contain about 15 seed potatoes. Purchased Potato Medley bags can be picked up in person at CCE Monroe County, 2449 St. Paul Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14617, between Monday, May 4, and Friday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, and to register and purchase seed potatoes, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwz5xxua.
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