14 
COLORADO EXPERIMENT STATION 
POTATOES ON THE PLAINS. 
BY E. R. BENNETT. 
Where potatoes can be grown in this State they have proven one 
of the most valuable of the farm crops. However, little investigation 
has so far been made of the methods of culture that are best adapted 
to the conditions under which potatoes must be grown on the unirri¬ 
gated lands of Eastern Colorado. Some very good crops of potatoes 
have been grown in this section in the past year or two, and it is 
thought possible that considerable acreage may be planted this year. 
The methods of growing employed and the best varieties to plant 
are necessarily different from those used in the irrigated districts, 
so a word of advice to the new comers may be timely. 
While it is advisable for every farmer to plant potatoes enough 
for the use of the family, we would not advise those inexperienced 
in the business to plant a large acreage at first. An acre or two, if 
successful, will more than supply the family needs, and, if unsuccessful, 
comparatively little will be lost. 
Varieties and Seed .—One of the first requisites for success in 
growing potatoes on the plains is to get seed that is adapted to the 
conditions. Probably the best is that which has grown under 
similar conditions for several generations. If that is not to be had, 
seed from the Arkansas divide (Elizabeth )country, or even from 
Dakota, Minnesota, or Wisconsin will do. Seed from the irrigated 
lands should not be used. 
LNually the early part of the season suffers less from drought 
than the latter; therefore, the early maturing varieties are generally 
better for the purpose than the larger late potatoes. Early Ohio and 
Rose Seedling have been grown in this State with considerable suc¬ 
cess in the past and are probably safer to use than some of the com¬ 
mon Eastern varieties. 
Soils .—Potatoes are grown on nearly all kinds of soils, but the 
lighter soils that will hold moisture are generally to be preferred. 
Land that has been cultivated should be selected in preferance to raw 
land. 
Preparation of the Land .—Plow the land to a good depth when 
in good condition to work as early in the spring as possible. Harrow 
the land as fast as plowed to form a soil mulch and prevent loss of 
moisture by evaporation. From the time plowing is done till planting 
time, the land should be frequently harrowed. If rains come, the land 
should be harrowed as soon after the rain as the land can be worked 
without puddling the soil. 
Planting .—In most cases the earlier the planting can be done 
without danger of early frosts hurting the vines, the better. When 
it is possible to do so, use a machine for planting, for by so doing 
