One of the most common types of questions that I get is also the most vexing: What is the USDA zone for <plant>? USDA Zones have a very specific and narrow application, but they get used for all sorts of inappropriate things. The only thing that a USDA zone can really tell you is whether […]
In this episode of the Cultivariable podcast, I talk with potato breeder Doug Strong. Doug specializes in breeding diploid potatoes and has produced a bunch of really interesting varieties that are well known by Andean potato enthusiasts, such as Big Dog, Black Hornet, Yellow Dog, and Strawberry Timepiece. Due to background noise, I had to […]
In this episode of the Cultivariable podcast, I talk with farmer and freelance plant breeder Joseph Lofthouse. Joseph is well known for his landrace plant breeding, a method that he has popularized and applies to an astounding 100 species of food plants. We talk about his breeding philosophy and how he has used it to […]