ARISTOCRAT OF VEGETABLES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 340, 28 April 1928, Page 30

ARISTOCRAT OF VEGETABLES

THE POTATO Origin The potato is the most democratic food of the meal table. Old and young, rich and poor, people of every cult, creed and class in every country of the world pay tribute to the food qualities of this vegetable. The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a native of Peru, Colombia, Chili, and probably Mexico. It was first introduced into England by the Spaniards and later by Sir Walter Raleigh from Virginia in 1586. In 1796 it became better known and very popular, and 1,700 acres in Essex were planted for the London markets. Description While potato growing can be done successfully by the average gardener without a great deal of knowledge, there are some points of importance which must govern success in this direction. I need scarcely remind you that potatoes are mere enlargements of underground stems, shortened and thickened, in which starch is stored. Like other underground stems, the tubers possess buds or eyes, .from which by fresh shoots the plant is capable of re-development and although the tubers may be preserved through the colder months for planting in the spring, they are neither more nor less than portions of the plant which died down, and apparently ceased to exist in the previous autumn. Hence the life of the plant may be prolonged year after year. Suitable Seed The importance of using good, clean seed can not be emphasised too strongly. Poor seed invariably results in uncertain crops. Be sure that your tubers are clean, sound, true to type and of suitable size, thus avoiding many diseases that arise from seed of poor quality. When once the seed is procured the potatoes should be exposed to the light. Spread tubers out on an old sack in the sun until they turn green which hardens them and promt es strong, early growths. Soils And Situation Good results may be obtained from almost any soil provided it is well drained and of sufficient depth and properly manured. The potato is a quick-growing crop and has a good appetite, but will not work hard to obtain food from the soil. It requires plenty of freedom for its roots to spread and does not thrive too well in a cold, wet soil. The digging in of oats, lupins or mustard improves the texture of the soil and increases its capacity by adding organic manure or humus. Manure To Get Returns The potato is certainly a root crop, but it is also a crop which requires a well developed leaf and stalk system. The leaves play a very important part in the development of the roots. They are the digestive system of the plant and as such regulate to a very great extent the starch contents and the quality of the tubers. Their chief food, therefore, is nitrogen, phosphates, potash and lime. These foods are not required in equal proportions but should be applied as follows: —31b sulphate of amonia, 101 b superphosphate, 31b sulphate of potash. Nitrogen produces healthy stem and leaf growth, superphosphates pro-

mote vigorous root system, potash is the food most closely associated with the starch formation so necessary to the potato. Always remember successful potato growing depends on four things; Suitable soil, good seed, thorough cultivation and proper manuring.