POTATO CULTIVATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2751, 28 June 1924, Page 3

POTATO CULTIVATION

SUCCESSFUL LOCAL GROWER

It has been said that the light sandy soil of Foxton is not suitable for potato cultivation on a large scale. It lias been proved, however, that provided the soil is seiontilcallv treated and the rigid variety selected, potato cultivation would he a profitable undertaking. We have before us n sample of locally-grown white-skinned potatoes of an early variety now almost extinct —Sutton’s 26. These tubers were grown by Mr F. Lueinsky on his 60-acre farm in the outskirts of the borough and are a true type of this variety. The crop produced 17 tons t . the a<-: ‘. Mr Lueinsky informs us that he has had an experience of Iti yoata in exp.-rimentiifg with potato c ops and l as cultivated oilier varieties, with more or less success Iml none have withstood the blight or made such rapid development in growth as the variety mentioned. The crops produced are from seed obtained in tire district about thirty years ago. He states that the light sandy soil hereabouts is specially adapted for this variety and what is now waste land could be converted into profit able areas as a ready market is available. Asked what fertilisers were, used, he said lime and fowl manure. Under careful treatment, he said, the light sandy soil can also lie made to produce oilier crops such as maize, lucerne and mnnoglds, all of which he has produced with excellent results. He informed us that the demand for his potatoes had far exceeded the supple and he intends to cultivate a much larger area this season.