62 THE GAEDENETTE 



POTATOES 



Potatoes will do moderately well under almost 

 any conditions, but for very best results, both in 

 quality and yield, use the Modified Sandwich 

 Bed. " 



I find it a very great advantage to start the 

 seed potatoes before planting, by first cutting the 

 potatoes in halves, and covering with sand or 

 compost in a flat, placing them in a moderately 

 warm room, preferably in the light, and thus per- 

 mitting them to form roots, and start sprouts 

 from the eyes, to a length of about half an inch 

 before planting. 



Do not water while thus starting growth. The 

 object is to cause the potatoes to wither and make 

 only short, stubby growths. If dampened and 

 kept in dark the growths will be slender, soft, and 

 white, while best results are secured by encour- 

 aging rather stunted growth, stocky, and of dark, 

 deep color. 



When thus treated they make a very vigorous 

 growth and may be planted about middle of 

 April or even later, and thus avoid having the 

 tops frosted, as often happens if planted very 

 early. Frosted tops always lessen the yield. 



This way of starting the seed insures earliness 

 in any event, and helps to avoid severe frosts. 



At least two weeks are gained by this method. 

 Cut and sprout seed about March 25 to April 1. 

 Plant out of doors April 12 to 20. 



Plant one piece in a hill, about twelve inches 

 apart each way. Cover fully four inches deep, 

 and be careful not to break off sprouts or roots. 



