VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 81 



A point of very great importance when planting by either method is to see 

 that the soil is thoroughly compacted around the plant ; this is especially 

 necessary in dry weather. When the plants are dibbled, this compacting is 

 done by pressing the soil firmly against the plant with the foot, and when 

 ploughed in a heavy roller with a large diameter should follow the planting. 

 A roller with a small diameter will drag the plants up. Whatever method 

 of planting is adopted, if the ground be at all moist, the plants will root 

 without difficulty. It is the practice of some growers to plant on ridges. In 

 cold districts this is probably beneficial, but satisfactory results have been 

 obtained (without this trouble and expense. 



The subsequent cultivation given to this crop is such as will keep the weeds 

 down and conserve moisture. Cultivation with a small-toothed scuffler may 

 commence as soon as the plants are set out, and can be continued until the 

 vines cover the ground. Other than disturbing the vines whilst cultivating, 

 no attempt should be made to prevent them rooting where they touch the 

 ground. 



Harvesting and Storing. 



The mature stage can be determined by cutting one of the potatoes. If 

 the cut surface dries white, and does not turn greenish-black round the edge, 

 the potato is fit to eat. If a milky juice exudes which, on exposure to the 

 air, turns black, the potato is not mature enough. 



The potatoes will continue to grow until the first frost is experienced ; this 

 destroys the vines, and, of course, the tubers will cease to grow after this. 

 The crop may be left in the ground until then, and if the frosts are not very 

 severe, they may be left until they are required, but the vines should be 

 removed, or they will decay and communicate rot to the tubers. 



During the last two months of the growing sea'son the yield per acre is very 

 much increased ; in some cases it almost doubles itself. Where, therefore, 

 bulk is desired it is well to leave the tubers in the ground for as long as 

 possible after they become fit for the table. 



The harvesting is usually done by hand labour. Some diggers prefer to 

 use a pronged hoe, others a digging fork ; it is a question of use. With some 

 varieties which produce their roots in clusters around the "plant," the labour 

 of digging may be lessened by throwing a furrow away from each side of the 

 potatoes. When digging, care should be taken not to bruise the roots ;' a 

 bruised potato rots easily, though a clean-cut one keeps well. 



No difficulty has been experienced in storing small quantities of potatoes 

 in dry sand. The tubers on being dug should be allowed to dry in the sun 

 for a few hours, and then placed away in sand, where they will keep through 

 the winter perfectly. 



