Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-06-29
Foil Irish
Potato Crop
THERE. was never a time when the

IN MERE was never time when the
growing Of Irish potatoes through
out the southern states has at
tracted more attention, and 1t is wei
that our people should have something
to make them become interested In this
most valuable crop, something that Is
so easily produced and suited to our
natural southern conditions, and es-
pecially fall Irish potatoes. This is
undoubtedly one Of the easiest crops
have ever seen to grow, and one OF
the safest after a person once learns
how to manage this crop.
However, there are many failures, es-
pecially in securing a stand, and 1t Is
brought about by improper methods In
the planting of this crop and prepare
ton of the land. During the hot
months of July and August weather
conditions are quite different from the
spring Of the year, when spring pota-
toes can be planted most any way and
secure a stand, and many people think
they can do likewise with the fall crop
and get results. This cannot always
be done. Unless one is very careful
in preparing the ground for fall pota-
toes they are sure to allow the moiS-
ture to evaporate and put the land In
such condition that the hot sun will
scald the eyes of the fresh tender
tubes and prevent securing a perfect
stand. Therefore, those who expect
to plant any crops in August should
Immediately prepare the land and give
it time to settle and fill with moisture
and be ready at the proper time fol
planting, which should be in north
Georgia any time during the first two
weeks in August.
The time of planting depends much
land is in. Land that has been well
prepared and in fine condition will ger
inmate and mature crop of potatoes
in seventy to eighty days, and 1t is
far better to have the land well pre-
pared, plant late, work the potatoes
fast and be sure of q stand rther than
to plant earlier during the hottest of
wether in soil that is not prepared and
take a chance in securing stand.
Stable manure should not be used on
the land within six weeks to plant
ing as Ii will have. tendency to heat
the land and leave it so porous that the
hot sun will affect the eyes. A suit
able fertilizer that can be used is a
mixture of three hundred pounds of
acid and two hundred pounds of cot
tonseed meal put directly in the drill
and we'll stirred with a small scooter
on land that contains a fair amount of
humors. At least five hundred to one
thousand pounds per acre should be
used in the drill and the same amount
should be scattered broadcast at time
of preparation Of the soil.
The land should be kept narrowed, roll
ed or dragged every week after 1t is
prepared until time of planting. A mar
row deep furrow five to six inches deep
should receive the potatoes, and cover
them with from four to five inches of
dirt. One furroW one each side of a row
with a two-inch scooter will do this
work thoroughly. The dirt can gradu-
ally be worked to them after they are
up, and shallow cultivation must be
practiced. Otherwise the moisture will
be lost, the vines will become harden
ed and a short crop produced. The
main point in growing fall potatoes is
to plant them as late as possible to
avoid the hottest of weather. Work
them fast after they are up, use plenty
of fertilizer and keep them growing
and mature as quickly as possible.
They should never be dug until a
week or ten days after a killing frost.
which Is usually the latter part of Oc-
tober, and the potatoes should be har-
vested by the 10th of November. They
will keep without any trouble during
the winter as Irish potatoes should be
kept cool and sweet potatoes just the
opposite-warm. Everyone who can pos
sibly do so should plant some fall po-
tatoes, and when they once get in the
habit of growing this crop will con-
tinue to do so every year. 1t is very
simple and far easier to make than
the spring crop provided one will pre-
pare in time and get their land ready
to make a success of this crop. Other
wise, 1t is useless to attempt to grow
them as failure will surely come to
those who undertake the growing of
this crop in a haphaZard, shiftless way.
1t is too valuable to take any chances
on, and must be done properly If you
expect success from your efforts
Yours very truly,