Nurturing seed potatoes in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Located near Walla Walla, Frog Hollow Farm has carved a niche for itself in the agricultural community through its specialization in seed potatoes. The farm’s owners have worked to establish themselves as authorities on the diversity of potato varieties and the importance of choosing the right seeds or seed potatoes for successful cultivation. 

“We have over 20 different varieties of seed potatoes here,” said Amy Dietrich, co-owner of Frog Hollow Farm. “Each type has its unique characteristics and best uses, so educating our customers is a vital part of our mission.”  

From early-season favorites like ‘Yukon Gold’ to the rich and earthy ‘Purple Majesty,’ the farm offers an extensive selection, she said, ensuring both home gardeners and large-scale farmers can find the ideal match for their growing conditions and culinary needs. 

The farm caters to a dual audience — individual gardening enthusiasts and commercial farms. However, she recommends waiting to buy your potatoes until later in the season. They need to be planted in the ground around the last frost.  

“Each group has different requirements,” Amy said. “For home gardeners, we focus on easy-to-grow varieties that are likely to thrive with minimal intervention. In contrast, our farm clients often seek high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties to ensure robust production cycles.” 

Potatoes are resilient and adaptable crops, but the success of the harvest hinges on selecting appropriate seed potatoes.Many first-time growers may not realize how factors such as soil quality, climate, and space can impact yield and flavor. 

Frog Hollow Farm provides advice for customers looking to get started growing their own potatoes or rotating into a new strain of spuds. New growers have a learning curve to be dealt with. 

“Start small, especially if you are new to gardening. Variety trials can help you learn what thrives in your particular environment,” Amy said.  

For those interested in growing their own seed potatoes, the farm emphasizes the importance of sourcing certified seed.  

“Planting certified seed gives you a better chance at avoiding diseases that can devastate your crop,” Amy said. 

Raising seed potatoes does not merely involve the harvest but also maintaining the ecological balance of the farm. The certified-organic practice is a point of pride for Jeff and Amy.  

“We practice crop rotation and integrated pest management to reduce the reliance on synthetic inputs,” Amy said. “It’s essential not only to produce healthy food but also to take care of the land for future growers.” 

To further engage the community, Frog Hollow Farm sells directly to individuals and offers potato education sessions.  

“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in interest from individuals wanting to grow their own food, especially in the wake of recent supply chain issues,” Amy said.  

As the popularity of locally grown produce continues to rise, the significance of seed potatoes cannot be overstated.  

“A good seed potato is like a good foundation; it sets the tone for your entire crop,” Amy said.  

She encourages individuals and farmers alike to consider the long-term benefits of investing in high-quality seed from reputable sources like Frog Hollow Farm.