The Tupelo journal., 1917-06-22
Farm Department
PLANT FALL POTATOES
G.. G. Mingee. County Agent


PLANT FALL POTATOES
Reports show that the acreage in
Irish potatoes is being increased in
a number of states and that seed po-
tatoes r now selling for about 81
per bushel. We might on first
thought expect potatoes to sell at a
low price this fall, but there are 9TH
er factors than acreage and yield
that will govern the price this year.
Indications are at present that
the wheat crop this year will be be-
low normal, and with a less than nor
NAL yield we have a large part of
Europe calling on us for wheat. The
shortage and the increased demand
for wheat will hold the price up on
wheat, therefore the people in the
United States will use other crops
that will partially take the place of
this grain. Potatoes will be one of
those crops. The increased demand
for potatoes will help hold the price
up, and those having fall potatoes
to sell may expect a good price for
them.
Every farmer should raise sufficient
fall potatoes to supply his family
until the next spring crop in
and then have plenty for planting
his spring crop. Even should pota-
toes be worth no more than fifty
cents per bushel this fall every farm
er should raise enough for seed and
home use.
How to make a good crop of fall
potatoes it is necessary to begin i'm
mediately by selecting a rich Or me
dunn rich piece Of land that is well
drained, but not a dry natured soil
because potatoes will not grow we'll
on this type of land. AS moisture
is one of the limiting factors in the
production of a good crop of fall
potatoes such a soil should be select
ed. Such a soil will insure a stand
by furnishing sufficient moisture for
termination and will help lower the
temperature so the potatoes will
grow off fast.
The land should be broken imme-
diately, disced well and then a good
application Of barnyard manure
should be worked into the soil with
a disc harrow. The discing should be
continued until the soil is thoroughly
pulverized after which the section
harrow should be used. The section
harrow should be used after each
rain until planting time which is
about the middle of July.
The planting should be done by
making open burrows thirty to thirty
six inches apart with a sweep or large
shovel and a 1880 fertilizer should
be distributed in these burrows at the
rate of 500 to 1000 pounds per
acre. A shovel should be run through
these burrows after the fertilizer
has been distributed to thoroughly
mix it with the soil. The potatoes
a then be planted about fifteen
inches apart in the drill and covered
with a small turning pillow by making
a list on them after which the mid
dies should be run out with a middle
burster or a large sweep. In plant
ing the soil should not be broken no
more than half as deep as it was
when the land was plowed because
the lower strata of soil acts as a store
house for moisture and should not be
disturbed.
Every farmer who intends to plant
fall potatoes should make ARRANGE
ments for planting seed at an early
date if he is not already growing
potatoes. Spring potatoes may be
U.s. for fall planting if they are dug
early and stored in a cool dark place
or put in cold storage.
Any farmer not familiar with
growing fall potatoes may see the
County Demonstration Agent, who
will be glad to give any information
desired on the subject.
! will be glad to see any one hav-
ing spring potatoes to sell. If you
will see me at the Circuit Clerks of
flee Saturday / may be in a position
to help you get a good market for
your surplus potatoes.