THE POTATO CROP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20596, 21 June 1930, Page 29 (Supplement)

THE POTATO CROP.

EARLY PLANTINGS, Potato wis that have been planted in boxes -for eprquting, as advised some weeks, ago, will, in many instances now.be sufficiently advanced for planting out. As soon «s weather permits and the soil is in a good workable condition, no time should be lost in proceeding with the planting. For this crop, the most suitable soil and situation Bhould in every case be selected, tM when the crops will be least likely to. t>o affected by severe frosts. , That there are many sites, in the suburban districts of Auckland and where verv early crops of potatoes can be produced, is proved by tho earliness with which many crops are successfully grown and marketed. Although the potato is a somewhat tender subject, it rs more hardy than many imagine, and-will often endure light frosts without mjuiy. But even if the tops of the becomes slightly damaged by frosts, the lower buds on the stem will often develop and produce healthy fresh growth. . For the early crops it i.s essential that the ground be fairly deeply and well worked so that any. excess of , moisture is more quick y disposed off. In planting sprouted sets, the tops of the shoots should be only hghtlycovcred, as the roots need all the warmth obtainablo during the winter. TJ-ell earthing up as the. plants are well above the soil aids in protecting the while the ridge formed by earthing, assists to drain the soil and give warmth # to the roots In manuring it is not advisable to place the manure in immediate contact with the sets, but to sprinkle it so that the roots will derive the greatest benefit from its use. It should be borne in mind that the roots grow out ; £om J»ase of the sprouts, not from the bottom the tubers. ' ' ' ~ ~ The too free use of manure at the time of planting, particularly of • animal manures, often tend to promote rank top growth, often at the expense of the. tubers. To obtain the best results, such manures should be worked in and thoroughly incorporated with the soil, some months before the time of planting. In most reasonably good soils, however, the judicious use of artificial ferthsers will produce equally as good, if not bettei results than the use of fresh stable ""'Before planting Bprouted sets, remove all but about two of the strongest and thickest shoots upon such sets. Arrange tho rows two feet apart, and the sets 12in. apart in the rows."