Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-04-18
The. Size of Seed To Plant.

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The question of planting large po-
to- plant whole potatoes or cut them. !
has received a great deal of consid-
|eration by the various experiment
stations. and also by careful growers.
There is yet considerable difference
of opinion in regard to these mat
matters. 1t is, however, quite def
nitely settled with most growers that
medium sized potatoes. cut S that
the pieces weigh about two ounces,
gives the best results. Little atten-
ton need be paid to the eyes,; hand
cutting is most satisfactory. In the
drier sections, the planting of whole
potatoes will often give higher yields.
Anyone wishing information on this
may find it in the bulletins of the
various experiment Stations.
. h production per hill depends
more on whether the potato planted
was from a plant which produced a
large number of good potatoes, h a
on the size of the seed planted. This
is a great argument in favor Of hill
selection of seed. Small potatoes
from a big hill would be more desir-
able than a big potato from a small
hill.
Plant Plenty of Seed.
1t has been found that up to d
reasonable limit, the yield Of pota-
toes depends on the quantity of seed
planted, other conditions being the
same. There might be some differ
ence in this, If the ground were given
special fertilization. with the expec-
tation of producing unusual yields.
However, for ordinary field produc-
ton. it is quite generally accepted
that planting the row 80 to Sc inch
es apart, and h potatoes 10 to Is
linrh0o q mar in thu rnrr ruS1l' ~Suo <h1
best results. The thickness Of plant
ing would ba determined to some ex-
tent by the variety. The Early Ohio,
Tor instance. grows a small vine. and
would. stand closer planting than
some Of h other varieties. which
grow u larger vines. Planting in
drier regions should be thinner thar
in wet regions.
. With the seed cut in about 2-oz.
: pieces. and with the planter get for
dropping IL inches apart in the row
1t will require "a bushels Of seed pei
acre, with the rows 8 feet apart In
. many cases only 8 to IL bushels OF
seed are planted per acre. This
means that the seed must De cut toe
amount of seed to plant will vary
with the lind of planter, and also
with h cutting OF the seed. The
picker type of planter will usual,
plant only a certain number Of
pieces, whether they are large OF
small. while the cup type will usual,
plant one large piece, or in som,
cases may plant two small ones. Thi.
is a question which might in man!
cases. be given more. consideration.
Depth To Plant.
The condition and character of tn,
soil will in many cases make consid
cradle difference as to the depth o
planting. In a light, sandy loamy sol
that is well warmed, the potatoe
might be planted much deeper thai
in q heavy soil. However, 1t is ad
visable when possible. to choose onl,
the former type of soil. An averag
depth of four inches is considered t
l~tatoes. however, might be plante
more shallow. and If the soil is yer
light. the later paintings might b
somewhat deeper. with good results
Care should be taken that tn
planter works properly and that tn
seed is. put in at the proper depth. i
some cases, where the soil is rathe
dry /, and rather cloddy at time 3
planting. it may be advisable to fol
Low the planter with some sort. q
roller to mash the soil down on TIL
seed. 30 that 1t will start promptly
There have been very poor stands q
potatoes resulting from neglectinE I
The potato field should be watche
~Garefully for some time after Plan
11nG, and II It ID found that the =
has dried out down to the potato.
Should either be rolled or blind GU
hvated TO insure 81 SseA MT dryin
ont.