SELECTION AND PLANTING OF POTATOES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 161, 17 May 1940, Page 7

SELECTION AND PLANTING OF POTATOES

The ideal scecl potato or set for the early crop is one which is wellshaped and wilh deep eyes showing signs of growth. Large sets should be used, as they may be expected to yield a heavier crop than small ones. All sets used should lie cut; the large ones from the rose to the stem end, and the small ones, when used, should have a thin slice removed. Such cutting induces early growth of the shoots, and will reveal any signs of disease, as shown in white-skinned varieties by internal colouration. With coloured varieties internal colour, when of the same colour as the skin, is not a sign >of disease. The diseased potatoes should be destroyed. The sets may be cut several days before planting. The cut sets should be planted Sin deep and 12 to 14in apart in rows 2 feet apart. A dressing of artificial manure should be given at time of planting. If the potatoes are planted in a furrow or shallow trench the manure can be concentrated in this, and sliould produce a better crop than if it were broadcast over the whole area. A suitable mixture consists of six parts of superphosphate and one part each of sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of potash, and blood and bone. On fair quality land undeJ intensive cropping, and where farm manure is not available , lib of this mixture to 10 to 12ft of row is a suitable dressing, but to avoid injury to the sets it should be mixed • with the soil.