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Seed potato cutters
Posted by Geoff at 2015-03-29 11:12:11
Has anyone used the old seed potato cutters to cut their spuds for planting? It seems like the size of the slices are pretty small and may often not have an eye on them. Just wondering. I'm gonna plant ~ 100# and got to thinking about ways to speed up the cutting.

While I was looking for some cutter info, I ran across an online version of the old classic Handy Farm Devices book.
http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/device/devicesToC.html

Response by Mike Rock at 2015-03-29 22:15:42
I saw two cutters only yesterday and was impressed by the small size of the pieces as well. These were early ones, cast iron and very nice.

I usually cut large potatoes in three or four pieces with good eyes on each, then sprinkle with sulphur powder.

Mike

I need some small parts for my Aspinwall planter if anyone has some junkers. The two little hook castings that provide tension on the springs.
Response by Dale Wagner at 2015-03-30 11:07:13
I buy the little seed so I don't cut them. Get a better stand.They usually cost more but a spud grower told me they was worth more.
Response by BV at 2015-03-30 21:17:05
The rule around here was at least 2 eyes per piece and planted eyes up. What does the sulfer do ,have never heard that before.
Response by grey at 2015-03-31 11:07:13
The sulfur inhibits fungus from rotting the cut seed before it has a chance to get going.
Response by Klaus Karbaumer at 2015-03-31 21:54:01
As long as I was planting potatoes with a potato planter I had to cut them, but since in dry years the potatoes have a better chance if planted uncut I sold the potato planter. I do not like an implement push me into actions that wouldn't make any sense. I agree with Dale , whole seed potatoes oftentimes get better results. So far we planted 400 pounds this year, but still have a few hundred pounds to go.
Response by T Payne at 2015-04-01 08:07:57
I agree with Klaus and Dale. If it's about the size of a chicken egg, we plant them and cut up the big ones for eating.
Response by jwaller at 2015-04-02 03:25:27
Had to use the potato cutter when I planted with the old planter. Needed small size to go through the little cups on the feeder chain.
Response by Geoff at 2015-04-02 19:59:42
We just get seed potatoes by the 50# box. All different sizes. Other than saving your own, how do you get enough egg sized spuds to plant?
Response by T Payne at 2015-04-03 08:43:14
We buy some most every year too, Geoff. The seed potatoes we buy are all sorted into the smaller whole potatoes. There are several local sources, all Mennonite feed and seed outfits.

I imagine in Idaho, with a reputation for being the potato mecca of sorts, things are generally more set up for more industrialized large scale production, which is generally not so much the case right here.

Response by T Payne at 2015-04-04 06:11:47
I should have mentioned, the potato seed I'm talking about is referred to as "B" type. Large spuds to cut for seed are "A".

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