When planting potatoes, do I need to purchase certified seed potatoes?

Question:

When planting potatoes, do I need to purchase certified seed potatoes?

Answer:

Since potatoes are susceptible to several serious diseases, buy certified, disease-free potatoes at garden centers and mail-order nurseries.  Potatoes that remain from last year's crop may carry undetectable diseases.  Potatoes purchased at supermarkets (for table use) may have been treated to prevent sprouting.  Best results (excellent quality and high yields) are obtained with certified seed potatoes.  

Learn more in this article: Growing Potatoes in the Home Garden.