EARLY POTATOES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 312, 24 March 1928, Page 26

EARLY POTATOES

Important.—The most important of the kitchen garden plantings is that of potatoes. Unfortunately this operation is not always treated with the respect it deserves, with the result that often inferior are produced instead of heavy or large tubers. Potato planting must not be skimped. It is essential that the correct routine be followed. The Seed.—The best seeds are those between two and three ounces in weight and self-contained if possible, although larger seed may be used and properly cut and divided. Spread the seed out in boxes or on an old sack several weeks before planting, so that the seed may have an opportunity of sprouting, thus giving a heavief- yield than those unsprouted. Only two or three sprouts are required for each tuber, the remainder being rubbed off by the thumb. Planting.—Assuming the ground is ready for planting, proceed with a spade and garden line, dig out a trench across the bed, the depth varying according to the nature of the soil. If the soil is heavy the trench should be four inches deep. If medium, five inches deep, if light six inches deep. In this trench place (not drop) the tubers, setting them in an upright position with the sprout pointing upwards at a distance of 18in apart. Cover the tubers by gently filling in the soil and then commence the next Manuring.—lf the ground has not been manured, at digging the use of artificial manures may be resorted to. A suitable mixture is superphosphate, ammonia and potash. These should be mixed together and sprinkled along the trench before seed is placed. A little soil sprinkled over the manure will avoid any risk of sprouts being burnt with the manure.