62 PREPARING TO PLANT AND PLANTING 



ing spaced from thirty to thirty-six inches, depending upon 

 the kind of soil, if dry or moist, whether the varieties grown 

 are early or late, if they have naturally large tops and are 

 heavy yielders or small. 



In dry soil the rows should be about thirty-six inches 

 apart, so that ditches or furrows for irrigation, in the center 

 of the rows, may be deep enough to run water without flood- 

 ing the tops. If the tuber moth is troublesome, the rows 

 should be farther apart to admit of better cultivation. The 

 varieties with large tops need wider spacing than the small- 

 er-topped varieties. 



Tubers of early or small yielding varieties may be plant- 

 ed closer than those of the large yielding varieties, also 

 when planting in rich soil. There is not much gained by 

 planting too close together, at any time. The yield and size 

 of the tubers are greatly decreased. The early varieties 

 of potatoes do not yield as much as the late potatoes, as they 

 mature much more rapidly. 



The seed potatoes are dropped from fourteen to seven- 

 teen inches in the hills, always planting one seed piece to the 

 hill. Some growers advocate the use of two pieces to the 

 hill, but if the seed is good, one piece is much better. The 

 hills are generally spaced farther apart when the rows are 

 closer. 



A grower who will give it a little thought, will soon 

 learn the variety of potatoes to use in his soil, and the best 

 spacing for them, the fertility of the soil and the size of the 

 tubers desired to be taken into consideration. 



Seed potatoes must not be planted too soon after they 

 are dug. It is essential that they have a certain amount of 

 time to lay dormant and rest. The time required is general- 

 ly from two to three months. In the interior or where the 

 climate is warm, less time is required than along the coast. 



