POTATO GROWING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19412, 21 August 1926, Page 4 (Supplement)

POTATO GROWING.

PLANTING DISTANCES. Potatoes are an article of everyday use, and are the* most important and essential of vegetables. Without potatoes it would be difficult to cater for the people. An early supply of new potatoes is always considered necessary. In favoured localities that are practically frost free, and where the soil is of a light loamy quality, the earliest results may, by planting at the proper time, be obtained. The preparation of the sets for early planting, by placing them in shallow trays and arranging the trays on airy shelves, exposed to the light, hardens them, and causes the eyes to shoot. When in this condition they are fit for planting. A loamy, well-drained soil is the best suited for the earliest crops. For the dwarf growing kinds, a distance of about 15in. between the rows and lOin. between the sets is sufficient and for tall growers, 2£ft. between the rows and lOin. between the sets, arranging them at a uniform depth of from 4in. to 6in. There are many manures that are suitable for potatoes. Farmyard manure is about the best. A little should be evenly spread along the bottom of each trench when digging and planting. A good artificial manure for potatoes consists of 51b. superphosphate, 21b. sulphate of ammonia, and 31b. of kainit per 40 square yards, or 3oz. of the mixture per yard of each row. When the plants are from 2in. to 3in. high spray with Bordeaux, as a preventive against disease.