GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 36, 17 September 1952, Page 5

GARDENS IN TAUPO

GROWING POTATOES

(By

"Fiora.")

For those folk who have grown their own potatoes for years, I will not attempt to give advice; they fiave their own ways and means. But for those who are growing their first crop this season, the following may be of some help. The potate is a perennial which dies to the ground each year; and grows again from the tubers or nnderground stems if these should be left in the ground. The tuber, popularly called "a seed" is an underground stera; and the "eyes" on at sare equivalent to the leaf beds on the stem of a young fruit tree. From an eye a number of beds may start. It is from these tubers that we propagate our crops from year to year, These tubers are set to sprout in a light well-aired shed. Don't put in a darke corner or weak, spindly shoots will develop, which will not produce vigorous plants. Set each tuber on end, with rose end uppermost — that is the end with several eyes showingv At planting time there should be one or two strong green shoots on the tuber. It is wise to rub off surplus shoots before planting. Some say a dusting of 5ime will help them to make growth more quickly. Large tubers can be cut to form several separate pieces, so long as each piece has an eye. ISoil and Fertiliser. — The olot should be well dug, and the soil friable and rich in organic matter. For instance a piece of ground previousily g^assed would answer very well. No crop responds more satisfactorily to liberal manuring. Stable manure is very suitable, but must be applied only in a well-Totted statel A complete potatoes manure can be bought, or one mixed yourself would do. But potash is especially required for this element is connected with the mamifacture of starch, which forms the great bulk of the potato. The following mixture is recommended: 3 parts blood and bone, 3 parts super-phosphate, and 1 part sulphate of potash. Planting. — Open up a trench five or six fr.ches deep, and plant tubers twelve to eighteen inches apart. « Allowing ample distance between plants obviates the appearance of dnawn weak growth s, which are undesirable, particularly because they are prone to disease. As soon as the plants have grown sufhciently to indicate the rows they should be earthed up to prevent the sun "greening" the tubers. This earthing up can also be done if risk of frost is feared.

ffifarvesting. — Early potatoes may be dug as soon as large enough, feeling round the jpoots of the plant will ascertain this. For the main crop it is necessary to wait till the haulm, or stalk and ieaves die; and the tubers come freely from the stem. At this stage fhe skins are firm and will not corm off easily when rubbed. For keeping, the potatoes must be dry when gathered, and stored in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight, as it is this that causes tfgreemng.^