

HOME PROJECTS IN SECONDARY AGRICULTURE. 9 



III. How Bkall I prepare my land? 



1. Has the previous crop and treatment of the land left it in suitable 



condition? 



2. What crop should I use to prepare the soil for a future potato crop? 



3. When and how should barnyard manure be used for a crop of potatoes? 



4. Can I afford to use commercial fertilizers on my potato land; if so, 



how much of what kind? 



5. When shall I plow and how deep? 



6. What other preparation is necessary? 



IV. What seed shall I plant? 



1. What varieties are grown in this district? 



2. Are there better varieties which would suit local conditions and my 



particular needs? 



3. Shall I buy home-grown seed? 



4. Shall I pay extra for selected seed? 

 V. How shall I plant my seed potatoes? 



1. When shall I plant? 



2. Shall I let my seed sprout before planting? 



3. How shall I cut the seed potatoes? 



4. Is there any danger from scab; if so, how shall I treat my seed po- 



tatoes to prevent infection? 



5. What is the proper depth and distance for planting? 

 VI. How shall I cultivate my potatoes? 



1. What are the purposes of cultivation which I should bear in mind? 



2. What cultivation may they need before they are out of the ground? 



3. Shall I practice level culture or the hill method? 



4. What type of cultivator will serve my purpose best in row cultivation? 



5. When and for what purpose shall I use a hoe? 



6. What particular weeds must I guard against? 

 VII. How can I control insect pests and potato diseases? 



1. What are the prevalent insect pests and diseases of potatoes in this 



district? 



2. What spray mixture will kill a biting insect like the Colorado potato 



beetle? 



3. How shall I make Bordeaux mixture if fungus diseases are threatening? 



4. Can I use a combination that will destroy insects and prevent disease? 



5. What kind of spraying outfit will best serve my needs? 



6. Will it pay me to buy a spray outfit or hire my spraying done? 

 VIII. How shall I select my seed potatoes for next year? 



1 . Shall I mark some of the promising plants and make a lull selection? 



2. Shall I depend upon selection from the bin or upon the purchase of 



selected potatoes? 

 IX. How shall I handle my potato crop? 



1. When shall I harvest my potatoes? 



2. Shall I dig my potatoes by hand, use a plow, or hire some one to dig 



them by machinery? 



3. Shall I store my potatoes or market them direct from the field? 



4. How shall I grade them? 



5. What shall I do with my culls? 

 17149°— Bull. 346—16 2 



