204 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



Even in the northern half of the United States, the summers 

 are too hot for the best results with potatoes. Many growers, 

 however, are able to provide and maintain such favorable soil 

 and cultural conditions that heavy crops of potatoes are grown 

 year after year in spite of our comparatively long, hot summers. 



Heavy, compact soils should always be avoided, if possible, in 

 selecting a location for the potato. Sandy soils are employed 

 largely in southern districts because they produce a very early 

 crop, but they are not adapted to the late crop because of their 

 deficiency in moisture. In most of the important potato growing 

 districts of the North the soils vary from sandy loams to gravelly 

 loams. Whatever the type, it should be loose and friable. The 

 clay and silt soils are not so favorable to the production of a large 

 crop of good tubers, and when it is necessary to use such soils they 

 should be supplied with a large amount of organic matter. 



The summer rainfall of the United States is also generally 

 insufficient for a maximum yield of potatoes, so that naturally 

 moist but well-drained soils should be selected for this crop. 



1. Do you have a suitable location for growing potatoes? 



2. What kind of soil should be selected for this crop ? 



Gi: 86-112. Fr: 17-25. 



3. What are the soil moisture requirements for potatoes ? 



Gi : 92. Fr : 8. 



4. How do the European climates compare with that of the United 



States in their adaptation to potato culture? 

 Gi : 87. 



5. What do you know about the soil and climate of Aroostook County, 



Maine, where potatoes are grown so extensively? 



