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Planting potatoes. Recommended
for all larger gardens. Potatoes are a cool season crop, and any
good, well-drained soil that is not too heavily limed is suitable.
The soil must be acid lest the tubers be damaged by scab (a soil-borne
disease).
Potatoes grown in soil that has received
a recent heavy manuring may be damaged by scab. Well-rotted manure
should be applied months before planting. Set the rows 2 1/2 feet
apart and give each plant in the row a -foot clearance. Cover the
seed potatoes to a depth of 4 inches. Certified seed potatoes, relatively
free of virus and other disease, are not much more expensive than
those grown without certification or inspection.
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They may be cut in several pieces, leaving
an eye on each piece. Many varieties of potatoes are grown in the United
States, and the varieties show marked differences in adaptability to various
regional and seasonal conditions. Consult the county agricultural agent
or the state experiment station to be sure that the varieties chosen are
suitable to the conditions in which they are to be grown.
For early planting Irish Cobbler is excellent
for the North, Triumph for the South. Green Mountain is a favourite for
late potatoes in the North; Irish Cobbler and Triumph are suitable for
a fall crop in the South. White Rose is popular in the West. After digging
up the potatoes do not expose them to the light. The ideal temperature
in which potatoes may be stored is 45 to 50 degrees. They will not withstand
freezing.
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