HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2002-05-08, Page 14A dedicated gardener
Dan McInnes of Blyth shows off some of the 57 varieties of
potato that he grows. McInnes doesn't restrict himself
exclusively to potatoes though, as he also grows several
varieties of iris and lily. (David Blaney photo)
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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2002.
Home & Garden 2002
Blyth man knows his spuds—all 57 kinds
By David Blaney
Citizen staff
When most people are asked what
kind of potatoes they'd like, the
answer is mashed, boiled or French
fried. Dan McInnes of Blyth is liable
to tell you that Russian blues are nice
and that a blue noser goes well with
fish.
If you thought potatoes came in
three varieties red, brown or white, a
talk with McInnes will soon set you
straight. He grows 57 varieties of
potatoes in his, and a neighbour's
garden.
McInnes is one of a growing
number of people who have become
interested in heritage seed programs.
The aim of these programs is to
preserve the genetic heritage of as
many plants as possible.
As plants are increasingly
hybridized and genetically modified
some people worry that the original
diversity of a plant species may
disappear.
McInnes grows a variety called six
week potatoes, which can be traced
to 1770 and another called early rose
dating from 1867. He also has purple
Peruvians and the caribou, a native
American potato, as well as banana
fingerlings, candy cane and the blue
Shetland.
McInnes was a farmer for 15
years, then worked for Howson
Mills for 18 years. However, when
he farmed it wasn't potatoes but but
cattle and weaner pigs.
His hobby took root some 15 years
ago at a horticultural show in
Toronto. At that time -he saw some
information about heritage plants
and decided it looked interesting.
From that small start he has added
a few new potato varieties a year. He
claims with a smile that he has 57
varieties like Heinz because, "I won't
let them beat me."
Each year he plants about a dozen
of each variety in a garden that he
maps out on a chart to ensure he
keeps everything in order. At the end
of each variety he plants flowers as
dividers.
He will .soon be cutting his seed
potatoes leaving one or two eyes on
each. After waiting about a week to
help them heal and prevent rot he
starts planting. Later he will hill the
individual plants as they grow.
His explanation for a hobby that
creates so much work is simple.
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"When you retire you have to do
something."
A little later he admits another
reason. "Once a farmer always a
farmer."
McInnes likes to have some fun
(NC)—Even the simplest garden
requires loving care to keep it in tip-
top shape. Plants need to be fed,
watered, pruned and treated if they
become ill. Following are the basics
to consider in keeping your lawn and
garden healthy.
Fertilizing
Most potting mixes contain
adequate nutrients but you will still
need to fertilize four to six weeks
after planting. Different plants have
different nutrient requirements, so be
sure to refer to package directions
and, when in doubt, ask your local
garden centre expert.
Watering
Required frequency depends on
the types of plants you have and the
weather. Experts say it's better to
water less frequently- but for longer
periods of time than to water many
times for briefer periods. If it's very
dry and hot however, step up your
watering frequency.
Pruning and Weeding
Both are crucial to the continued
good health of your lawn and plants.
Weeds consume precious nutrients
and can crowd your grass and plants,
so be vigilant about keeping them in
check.
Look for Signs of Sickness
Keep an eye open for disease and
blight. Plants can be affected by
insects and other pests, fungus and
mold. Consult your garden expert if
you see signs of illness — taking
with his hobby. To that end he has.
been responsible for providing
friends and neighbours with such
odd delicacies as blue French fries to
see their reaction.
Most of his seeds have come from
along a small sample often helps
them diagnose the problem and offer
the right solution.
- News Canada
others who share the hobby. He finds
new varieties through a catalogue
put out each year by Canada's
heritage seed program known as
Seeds of Diversity.
For a small fee heritage growers
send each other seeds. They are
attempting to ensure genetic
diversity, not just for potatoes butfor
over 1,500 species of flowers, grains
and vegetables that members grow.
Further information can be
obtained by visiting the programs
website at www.seeds.ca.
By the way McInnes likes his
potatoes mashed or boiled.
Tips for keeping it green:
help for lawns, gardens