Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1928-03-02

| VIII, Ol COuISej uSptiu idi Bciy vi
? weather conditions, but if 3,750,000
acres of potatoes are planted there
! would seem to be nearly three
, chances out of four that the crop
would exceed that of 1927.
Some of the intermediate States,
especially along the Atlantic sea-
board, had exceptionally heavy yields
last season, which prolonged their
marketing period and slowed down
the early market for northern or
main-crop potatoes. The chances
for a repetition of such exceptional
yields are not great, but, even with
average yields, if this group mate
rally increases its paintings, there
is danger of heavy supply and low
prices during the late summer
period
Sweet Potatoes:
Reduction of acreage of sweet po-
tatoes in 1928 in both the CONNER
} cial eastern coastal section and in
the South would seem necessary in
order to bring prices up to a more
favorable level.
Shipments from the eastern
coastal producing region, from Vir-
GINA to New Jersey, where the
dry-feshed type of sweet potato is
grown, dominate the marketing sit
uation, at least during the fall
months. During the past year sales
were very draggy and prices were
low in that territory. 1t was a par
ticularly discouraging season on the
Eastern Shore of Virginia and Mary
land. Probably part of the remedy
for growers, particularly in Mary
land and Delaware, lies in better
production, grading, packing and
marketing methods.
For this eastern region it would
seem that paintings might well be
reduced about 10 per cent. This
would provide an acreage which
would, in a normal season, produce
around 100000 bushels. At least
in those years when the northeast
ern territory has had a crop of
about 100000 bushels, prices have
been fairly high and some profit
has been made. When the crop has
exceeded that figure, returns have
been discouragingly low. Virginia
had the huge total of 5,80O,OO0
bushels in 1927, and the four States
in the eastern region had a COM
bined total of 100000 bushels.
Present indications are that in other
States throughout the South, where
sweet potatoes are grown mostly for
local consumption, the acreage will
be reduced in 1928.
Early Cabbage:
In the early shipping States, where
slightly over one-fourth of the ton
mage has been produced during the
last three years, there is a tendency
to sharper fluctuations in acreage,
with a doubtful benefit to growers.
Relatively high prices received by
growers in these States the previous
year, or relatively high prices re-
celved for cabbage grown in north
ern States in the fall, frequently
have led to too great confidence and
to overplanting. This season, with
supplies of late cabbage reported in
commercial storage and in growers
hands on January l very much
heavier than a year ago and with
relatively low prices for northern
cabbage, the indicated decrease of
about 81 per cent for early cabbage
in Florida and Texas is a move in
the right direction.
Yearly adjustments of the early
acreage, to Offset either heavy or
light production and the quantities
entering storage in the late States,
are desirable.
Early Tomatoes for Market:
During the past few years there
has been in Maryland an increased
active interest in the production and
shipment of early tomatoes by truck
and in carload lots to northern and
distant markets. On the basis of the
information available Maryland
growers have an opportunity to sup
ply the market with early tomatoes
from June 20 until July 10, the lat
ter date depending upon seasonal
conditions. In order to mature the
crop sufficiently early, full ad-
vantage must be taken of the best
known cultural practices. High
standards in grading and packing
must be maintained if Maryland
growers are to meet the increasing
competition from other regions hav-
ing similar seasonal conditions.
Cantaloupes:
Increase in acreage would appear
not to be justified except where local
conditions seem favorable. Maryland
growers would benefit materially
from better production methods,
grading and packing. The growers
Of the Eastern Shore region have a
distinct advantage over most of the
competing areas on account of the
nearness to the large eastern mar
kets, providing the growers do bet
ter grading and packing. The CEN
tralized packing houses have been
an aid toward better grading and
packing of cantaloupes.
Watermelons:
Watermelon prices during the past
few years indicate that the acreage
planted last year is about as large
as can be expected to produce profit
able returns with average growing
conditions. Maryland growers should
be guided by local market demands
based largely on past experience.
Asparagus:
Z The asparapus Acreage has rrrnnt1..