CULTIVATION 247 



a. Early varieties are planted as close as 12 x 27 inches ; 

 the late ones which spread more are placed somewhat 

 farther apart. 



b. The two kinds of culture govern the depth of planting. 

 In level culture, planting potatoes three to four inches 

 below the surface is the prevailing practice. Where the 



POTATO DIGGER. 



soil is heavy and the rows are " ridged" planting them 

 two to three inches deep is sufficient. 



184. Cultivation. A week after planting, the field 

 should be gone over in both directions with a spike-toothed 

 harrow, to loosen up the ground and to destroy weeds. 

 As soon as the rows appear, intertillage may be started. 

 The first cultivation should be deep, especially if the 

 ground is weedy ; but as the vines grow, cultivation should 

 become more shallow, and be kept farther and farther 

 from the rows, so as not to destroy the feeding roots. 

 When the land is worked the last time, some soil may 

 be thrown toward the plants by the lateral shovels. 

 This will smother some weeds and increase the bearing 

 surface. 



