THE POTATO 



the surface with a norcross weeder, wheel cul- 

 tivator or spike tooth harrow. This stirring 

 of the soil will destroy the first crop of early 

 weeds. If a heavy rain should pack the soil 

 and it should begin to crack a little before the 

 tops appear, stir the surface again, but very 

 lightly so as not to disturb the growing shoots. 

 A large part of the success in growing potatoes 

 depends on the amount of moisture available 

 throughout the season, therefore cultivate with 

 the view of keeping the surface covered with 

 a thick coating of dust mulch. The potato 

 should be cultivated from six to eight times 

 during the season. "HiUing up" should be 

 practiced only where the soil is stiff and the 

 tubers are planted near the surface. 



The Early Crop may be started in a warm, 

 light cellar by cutting the seed (Fig. 28) and 

 spreading it out on the floor. A temperature 

 of about 60 degrees should be maintained and 

 suflScient light to prevent the shoots from be- 

 coming spindly and weak. This may also be 

 done in the hotbed, but usually the hotbed may 



125 



