Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1883-03-15
GETTING EARLY POTATOES EARLY

A correspondent in Connecticut who de-
votes his garden grounds chiefly to the pro.
duetlon of early crops for market, writes to
knew II we can name any variety of potato
which he can plant and get in ahead OF his
neighbors, who raise the Early Rose for an
early market sort.
There are varieties claimed to be little
earlier than the Early Rose, and equally val
liable in the other points which make that
variety so popular, but we doubt if there is
anything yet before the public which could
be depended upon to excel it ia all its good
qualities.
The earliest potato we have ever grown is
Bliss Early Triumph, a very handsome
bright red, roundish potato with sunken
eyes.
1t will mature several days earlier than
the rose, but with us it has never been a
liable. sometimes good, but often heavy and
watery.
If early crops were desired, we would ad-
here to the karly Rose, Early Vermont,
Beauty of Hebron, Clark's No. l, or other
well known early varieties, ard endeavor to
get in ahead of neighborsby forcing growths
and maturity. This can be done by several
methods.
OF course warm, early land is indispens-
able. 1t should also be full OF fertility.
There is little danger to he apprehended
from having the land for early potatoes too
rich, however Objectionable it might be for
late varieties. The manure too, fertilizer
used should be in condition for immediate
use. Green unfermented manure is too slow
tor early potatoes.
One way to start the plants is to make hot
beds or cold frames in which to give the
young plants start. The frames should
not be filled more than three or four weeks
in advance of the usual planting season, nor
should the heat be very strong. Just lit
tie protection from extreme weather is all
that will be required, as the potato will
grow in quite cold weather.
Make the frames as for the hot bed plant
ing, except that less manure should be used.
A depth of four or six inches of good ma
nure would be better than thick body,
which might heat violently. Spread little
soil on top OF the manure, to keep the pota-
toes from direct contact with the manure.
Cat the potatoes in one or two eyes, remem-
oering the directions for cutting the seed, as
given in the Farmer of January 27. Lay
he pieces within two inches of each other,
which will give about eight to ten square
inches of room tor each plant. Cover light
y with good soil and lay on the sashes.
In few days the sprouts will start and
'oots will be thrown out. When the stems
appear above the surface, springle over an
nch of good soil. This will cover the little
weeds and thus you will avoid the necessity
'f wedding by hand. The plants will also
oe stronger and more healthy for this hill
ng up process. Give plenty of air in all
mild weather, that the plants may be hardy.
When the outside weather becomes warm
the plants must be set in the gar
len or field where they are to grow.
They may remain in the beds till the tops
ire from four to six inches high.
When ready to remove. take off the
rames, and with six-tine manure fork
axe the plants up and lay them carefully in
| hand barrow. or wagon box, tor carrying
o the field. Having the well manued rows
III prepared, take up fork full OF the plants
rom the carriage and carefully pull the