Potatoes are so successful in Thunder Bay Region that they are grown commercially on a large scale by such farms as B & B Farms and Breukelman’s Potato Farm.

I haven’t had the time or the inclination to try too many varieties of potatoes, partly because I find the variety Superior to be such a winner. Superior is a early-to-mid-season white potato with a smooth skin and uniform plump oblong shape. Large amounts of small “new potatoes” are ready early in July, and larger tubers a few weeks later. Once full-size, they hold well in the cool soil, with no tendency for the mature tubers to sprout. At least – that’s my experience! So far, I have had no trouble with scab either, although my soil was alkaline enough, apparently, to scab up adjoining rows of beets.

So far, my potato plantings have not been attacked by either blight or potato beetles – I credit my isolation with this, since larger local plantations do suffer these problems. The first year I grew them, there were a few injuries from grubs, likely because the garden area had been grassed over for a couple of years before its “rehab” and still contained the kinds of insect you find in sod.

Since the crowds at the farmers’ market seem to enjoy red vegetables, I have added both Viking and Norland red varieties this year (2009), which I will report on once they’re harvested. If you have any “northern potato experiences” or advice, please post it here!
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Resources:
Canada Food Inspection Agency’s Potato Variety page – very useful!