126 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



become great enough to supply material for these uses each 

 year, in addition to providing the amount needed for table 

 use, the problem of disposing of the surplus of unusually 

 productive years would be solved. 



Climate. Potatoes require for their best growth a cool, 

 even temperature. In the South, they may be grown only 

 in early spring or late fall in order to escape tipburn, sun- 

 scald and other difficulties. In the irrigated regions, as in 

 California, Utah, and Colorado, conditions are favorable, 

 except that the cool nights are a slight disadvantage. 



Outside of these states the climate best suited for potatoes 

 is found in Maine, in parts of other New England States, 

 also in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and 

 North Dakota. As a special crop or as a cash crop the potato 

 is not likely to prove satisfactory outside of these regions. 

 In other sections early spring planting for summer use and 

 summer market and fall planting for winter use should produce 

 enough potatoes to supply the home needs and, in many 

 instances, a surplus for sale. 



Further requirements for potato production. Aside from 

 a favorable climate there are four requirements for the best 

 success in growing potatoes; selection of suitable varieties, 

 liberal fertilizing, thorough cultivation, and the control of 

 insects and diseases. 



In selecting potatoes for seed several things must be con- 

 sidered. Those varieties should be chosen which local experi- 

 ence has shown to be productive and at the same time to 

 possess marketable qualities. 



In the same field it is possible for one variety to produce 

 abundantly with good market quality and another to produce 

 heavy tops, with tubers of inferior yield and quality. Among 

 the standard varieties are the Early Ohio, Early Rose, Bur- 



