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THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



Where potatoes are grown for early market the aim is to plant as early 

 as possible — that is, as soon as danger from frosts is over — provided there 

 is an ample supply of moisture. Nothing will be gained by planting in a 

 soil that is excessively cold and wet. Covering with litter, such as straw, 

 when the plants are breaking above ground, will often ward off the effects 

 of frost. The covering of the land with litter immediately after planting is 

 not recommended, as it reduces the soil temperature, and germination is 

 slower and sometimes hindered. 



On the tablelands, potatoes are planted most extensively during October, 

 November, and early December — November being the month of heaviest 

 planting. During October planting is always associated with a certain 

 amount of risk, as the occurrence of frosts during early November is not 

 uncommon. Although the haulms may be cut back by frosts, it is only very 

 heavy frosts which entirely destroy the crop. Usually with late frosts the 

 tops are at the most cut back to the surface of the soil, and fresh shoots are 

 produced from dormant buds lower down the stem. 



Seed Potatoes. 



On the quality of the seed planted much of the success of the potato crop 

 depends. When selecting seed the utmost care should be taken to see that 

 the variety is true to type and perfectly free from disease. Always make 



it a point to obtain seed from a 

 reputable seed merchant or some 

 reliable grower. For main crops 

 one or two varieties of sorts that 

 have been tested, and are known to 

 do well in the particular district on 

 similar soil, should be selected. 



In the tableland districts during 

 past years seed potatoes have been 

 picked in a haphazard manner, and 

 have generally consisted of the 

 grade between the "pig" and 

 marketable sizes ; in fact, anything 

 that was left at the end of the 

 season after all marketable tubers had 

 been sold. With all other varieties 

 of crops the seed is carefully 

 selected from the best available, 

 and it is apparent that some 

 change should be made in the 

 selection of seed potatoes. If 

 growers object to planting large 

 potatoes, a system such as the following could be adopted : — 



Each grower should select and mark in some way those plants that have 

 the most healthy and generally attractive appearance. At digging time these 

 plants should be subjected to a further process of selection, tubers being kept 

 for seed from those that have borne in greatest measure potatoes of good 

 type. This seed should be reserved for a special plot the following year, and 

 should yield a considerable quantity of potatoes, all of which can be used 

 as seed the next season. 



A good whole Tuber Set, 

 about 3 oz.in weight. 



