HOW TO GROW POTATOES. 
* A FTER an experience of twenty-five years in growing potatoes on large areas, we would offer the 
+ 4 * * following suggestions. 
Potatoes do better when not planted on the same ground in successive years. The visual four years rota- 
tion with the potatoes planted on clover sod gives the best results, and are generally much freer from weeds 
than when following any other crop. A sandy loam soil is best adapted to them. There is such a variety of 
soils and climates that it is impossible to lay down rules which will apply equally well to all localities. While 
we obtain the best results from deep plowing some seven or eight inches in depth, Olivers say that they get the 
best returns from shallow ploughing, about five inches deep. We would advise every grower to test this mat- 
ter for himself and see what depth seems best adapted to his soil. Our soil, which is a lime stone loam, pota- 
toes require deep ploughing in order to withstand severe drouths. The best fertilizer for potatoes is stable 
manure, spread upon the sod when ploughing. We have never seen any ill results either as to rot or scab, 
from a coat as heavy as the plow would turn under. The more manure the better. 
If barnyard manure cannot be obtained, use some high grade potato fertilizer, mixed equal parts with 
plaster dropped in the hill, and the potato placed above. After ploughing pulverize thoroughly with a Disc 
or Acme harrow until soil is in good condition. Soil can be brought to a better tilth before than after planting. 
Early varieties as a rule do the best when planted early ; as early as the ground can be got in good con- 
dition in the Spring, and late varieties when planted later, from the 15th to the 20th of May, give the best 
results with us. Every one should observe for himself and see whether early or late planting does best in 
his locality. 
As a rule it is not advisable to plant potatoes in drills, as it is impossible to cultivate them thoroughly. 
With a horse, lay out the ground with marks of good depth, two feet nine incites apart each way. 
In planting, use medium sized seed cut to about two eyes per piece, and one piece to the hill. 
In cutting the seed, always hold the stem end up and always cut from stem end toward eyes. 
Potatoes have veins running from stent end to each eye as will be seen if you cut a thin slize lengthwise 
from the middle of a potato, and hold before a strong light. You should avoid cutting these veins as much as 
possible, for they carry sap to the eyes, and when a potato is not properly cut it is caused to bleed more than 
is necessary. Sprinkle the potatoes thoroughly with plaster as fast as cut. If cut before you are ready to 
plant, spread thin in a cool place, a cellar bottom is best. There is danger of heating if piled too deep after 
cutting. 
If ground is in good condition, a coverer will do as good work as a man with a hoe. 
Cultivate as soon as tops show enough to indicate the rows, and at frequent intervals, till potatoes begin 
to set. It will do to cultivate very close to the hill if ground is damp, but if very dry, do not run cultivator so 
close to growing plant as to disturb the roots. 
All cultivation should cease as soon as potatoes set. 
When the vines have reached proper size — that is, before they fall so as to obstruct, run a shovel plow 
through botli ways, and let man follow with hoe to draw earth in hills about the plant. 
A sun burned potato always rots first, and it is therefore necessary to hill the potato carefully. 
If troubled with bugs, thoroughly mix Paris Green and fine plaster, in the proportion of one pound pure 
Paris Green to lot) pounds plaster. Mix at least one day before using so the strength of the Paris Green may 
impregnate the whole mass. Apply the mixture with tin sifters having perforated bottoms. Don’t apply just 
before a rain is expected, and it is not necessary to apply when dew is on, for it will adhere equally well at 
any other time. 
Before digging, run the cultivator through the rows and thus take away the sides of the hill ; this allows 
the digger to work one-third faster, and he should work in the opposite direction from the cultivator. 
We would not advise planting potatoes of the Rose type on low ground. By nature they seem better 
adapted to light soils. White skinned varieties are not so particular as to soil, but if the ground is in good 
condition and the season favorable, will give good returns on most any kind of soil. 
Do not attempt to plant any more ground than you can thoroughly manure and cultivate. Remember 
there is more profit in a large crop on a small area, than a small crop on a large area. Strive to make one 
acre produce what two have been producing. By observing the above rules and using our new and improved 
varieties for seed, ninety-nine out of every hundred plantings would double their usual yield. 
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