Potato Culture.

Manawatu Herald, 21 August 1897, Page 3

Potato Culture.

The following are the pointa brought out in Mr G. C. Tamer's paper which waft recently read before the Normanhy Horticultural Society : — Preparation of soil. — Should be deep and thorough tilth according to the depth of surface soil the deeper the tilth, the limit being eeven to eight inches. No earthing up ro* quired in deep surface soil. The afcove applies to old pasture land that has become consolidated ; with recently grubbed bush land ploughing under the sod is to be commended. Fertilizer. —That; fertilizers where rfquirad Bhould consist of phosphoric acid, nitrogen and potash in quantities to be arrived at when the analysis of the soil has been acquired. Seed— That the pieces should be cut to weight and not to eyes ; pieces to weigh 1 to 1£ oz* and to be preferred to larger or smaller sizes. The most expeditious way to prepare seed is to quarter tubers weighing from 4 to 6oz. without reference to eyes. Distance— From 2ft 6in to 9ft between the rows. Depth to plant — About Sin deep is the standart ; it is advisable to plant early spring crops not quite bo deep. Time to plantMain crops from Ist to middle of October according to weather. Cultivation — Should be rapid, thorough and without too great a pitch being given to the ridges.— Hawera Star>.