CHAPTER XXX 



SOUTH ATLANTIC AND GULF STATES 



THE states in this classification grow large 

 acreages of sweet potatoes. This subject 

 is covered in a separate chapter. The 

 Irish potato situation is also discussed in the chap- 

 ter on "Specialties Early Potatoes." 



The mild climatic conditions make the produc- 

 tion of a crop of very early potatoes and a later 

 crop possible, and furnish opportunities for the 

 marketing of an "out-of -season" product at a high 

 price. 



There is no reason why the local supply of 

 "white" potatoes for the South should not be 

 grown locally. The fundamental things to be 

 considered are soil, season, and seed. 



If the soil in which it is intended to grow the 

 crop is not naturally mellow, easily worked, and 

 sufficiently stocked with fertility to make a crop 

 possible, steps must be taken to bring this about. 

 Heavy, hard lands need cover crops and barn- 

 yard manure to lighten their texture; sandy soils 

 require the same things to add fertility. 



As far as climate is concerned, it must be re- 

 membered that the potato is a "cool- weather" 

 crop, as distinguished from corn, cotton, and the 

 "hot-weather" crops. It must be planted so as 

 to make its greatest growth during the early or 

 late part of the crop season. 



Growers of potatoes in warm climates generally 



347 



