Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 May 1917 — PLANTING LATE POTATOES [ARTICLE]

PLANTING LATE POTATOES

“Don't plant your late potatoes too early.’’ This was the advice issued by G, T. Christie, state food -director. Late potatoes should not be planted until June 15, according to Christie’s statement. “Instead of this, most late potatoes in Indiana are planted in May, and as a result are struck by the unusual hot, dry weather of late July and August.” said the food director. “Furthermore, the vines are subject to the worst attack of potato beetle; the hot, dry days are apt to cause leaf spot, or blighting at the ends of the leaves, just when the tubers are formjng. “When planted about June 15 to 20 the tubers do not start, forming until cool weather, when moisture will be more abundant and tempera-

ture mote suitable to potato growing. , . “Seed potatoes to be kept to the proper time for planting should be brought from the cellar at once and placed where tfie kun will shine on them. They will then form short, thick sprouts, purple in color, which will cease growing when less than half an inch long, and will not sap the vitality of the seed. Potatoes sprouted in thi> way and planted without destroying the sprouts, will yield more and the quality will be better, than when planted in the usual way.’’