HOW TO GROW POTATOES. 
FTER an experience of twenty-five years in growing potatoes on large areas, we would offer 
the following suggestions : 
Potatoes do better when not planted on the same ground in successive years. The usual 
four-year rotations with the potatoes planted on clover sod give the best results, and are 
generally much freer from weeds than when following any other crop. A sandy loam soil 
is best adapted for them. There is such a variety of soils and climates that it is imposs- 
ible 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, others say that they 
get the best returns from shallow ploughing, about five inches deep. We would advise 
every grower to test this matter for himself and see what depth seems best adapted to his 
soil. In soil, which is a lime stone loam, potatoes require deep ploughing in order to withstand severe 
droughts. 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. Everyone 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 inches 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 stem end to each eye as will be seen if you cut a thin slice 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. 
If troubled with bugs, thoroughly apply Paris Green, in the proportion of one pound pure Paris Green to 
150. Apply the mixture with Tri-Jet Cyclone Sprayers, which may be purchased in most hardware stores, 
or from us at small cost. 
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 of seed, ninety-nine out of every hundred plantings would double their usual yield. 
6 
