POTATOES 878 



influence upon the ultimate yield of tubers, will follow. Therefore, 

 to make assurance doubly sure, it is worth while to take a little 

 additional trouble, and in frosty weather to cover the rows with 

 clean straw to a fair depth, removing it in periods of mild weather 

 and restoring it when danger of frost is at hand. Early varieties 

 of the kinds mentioned at the outset of this chapter if planted in 

 February will yield a crop in June. 



The tubers of mid-season main crop potatoes may be planted 

 during April in the south of England, but it is the height of 

 wisdom not to be in too great a hurry to get this important 

 operation completed, since there is always danger of sudden 

 sharp frosts, even in May, causing damage to the top-growth soon 

 after it has made its appearance above ground. 



An ideal soil for potatoes is a deep, strong, warm loam with a 

 dry subsoil and one that has not been rendered rank by the in- 

 corporation at frequent intervals of organic manures. If the soil 

 be too rich the inevitable result will be the production of a luxuriant 

 growth above the ground and a poor crop of potatoes beneath it. 



Another important point to remember is that deterioration of 

 the crop will inevitably follow if it be grown hi the same position 

 season after season. It is a good plan to change both the position 

 and the seed at intervals. Some great growers change their 

 ground periodically from one county to another with the object 

 of introducing fresh soil essentials, and thus keeping their stocks 

 hi vigorous condition. From this fact the amateur gardener may 

 draw his own conclusions and act accordingly. 



The planted tubers should be covered to a depth of four niches, 

 and then for a few weeks afterwards it will be found of great 

 benefit to the production of sturdy growth if the soil between the 

 rows is forked at regular intervals. In this way the soil will be 

 aerated, and the sprouts will come through strongly and evenly. 



The operation of earthing up or moulding potatoes will be 

 necessary in the case of the main crop about the beginning of 

 June. This involves the drawing up of the earth towards the 

 centre of the rows in such a manner that ridges are formed which 

 serve the double purpose of keeping the growing stems erect and 



