Hotez to Grobv '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 impossible 
to lay down rules which will apply equally well to all localities. While we obtain the best results 
from deep ploughing some seven or eight inches in depth, others say 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 condition 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 thor- 
oughly. 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 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 with bugs, thoroughly apply Paris Green, in the proportion of one pound pure 
Paris Green to 1 50 gallons of water. Apply the mixture with any of our 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 anymore ground than you can thoroughly manure and cultivate. Re- 
member, 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. 
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