352 A YEAR IN AGRICULTURE 



used they should be cut into halves or quarters longitudinally. 

 Cut from the eye-end toward the stem-end, leaving at least 

 one of the "seed end" buds on each piece. Do not cut the 

 tubers until ready to plant. 



Planting 1 the tubers. Potatoes may be planted in April or 

 May, without reference to the moon or Good Friday. Early 

 potatoes should be planted as soon as the ground can be 

 worked and the danger of freezing is past. 



Depth and distance apart. Depth and distance between 

 potatoes in planting depend upon soil conditions and variety. 

 In general potatoes should not be planted less than three 

 inches nor more than eight inches deep. In good soil potatoes 

 may be drilled one foot apart, one piece to a place in the 

 row, or, planted in hills, two pieces to a place about fifteen 

 inches apart in the row. (Use both methods.) The rows 

 should be two or three feet apart, depending upon the method 

 of cultivation used. A peck of seed to a 100-foot row is the 

 amount usually required. Plant in straight rows and cover 

 with moist earth as soon as planted. 



As an experiment, plant one row on the surface of the 

 ground and cover the potatoes and the ground for two feet 

 on each side of the row with old straw. Give no further 

 cultivation to this row. 



Cultivation. If the seed-bed has been well prepared, it 

 will not be necessary to stir the ground until the plants 

 appear. If a crust forms* after planting, it should be broken 

 with a harrow or a rake. As soon as the plants are up so 

 that the rows can be seen, give them a good cultivation with 

 a garden wheel hoe or cultivator. The first cultivation may 



