THE WAUPACA POST

April 26, 1894

 

A POTATO CONVENTION

 

            A recent member of the Rice Lake Chronotype contains the following interesting account of a potato institute held there by M.T. Allen of this city and L. Spaulding of River Falls.

            There were in the neighborhood of 2000 farmers and businessmen in attendance.  The meeting was called to order by Mr. Allen.  On motion F.C. Donnelly of Oak Grove was called to the chair, and J.H. Gates of Rice Lake, was made secretary.  Mr. Allen then addressed the meeting on the subject of potato culture, beginning with the preparation of the soil and fertilization.  He disapproved the use of commercial fertilizers, not only from an economical standpoint, but considered barnyard manure far superior.

            Selection of seed: - Medium size, uniform and smooth; not overgrown.  May plant small potatoes if short on seed.  Avoid potatoes with too many eyes - it is a sure sign that the potato is on the decline.

            Cutting: - One or two eyes is the best method of cutting.  The throwing away of seed-end, however, was considered nonsensical.  A practical illustration of cutting was given.  The use of a thin bladed knife recommended.  An old case knife the best.

            Varieties: - The merits of several kinds were discussed.  The advantage of raising few varieties, not exceeding four in one locality, was shown.

            Time of planting: - Early planting was insisted upon, as the potatoes, especially the late varieties, need the entire season.

            Depth of planting: - The Burbank should not be planted more than two and a half to three inches deep, as the roots of that particular variety have a greater tendency to grow down than do the Early Ohio and Early Rose, which should be planted a little deeper.  General law:  Early varieties require deeper planting than the late.

            To prevent scab, making a solution of corrosive sublimate in the following proportion:  One to two ounces in one gallon of hot water, then add four gallons of cold water.  Pour the solution into a box, similar to sugar pan, and put in the seed potatoes, which however, must not be cut. Let them remain from one hour to an hour and a half, then remove with a potato scoop.  Add solution as it becomes necessary.  Do not cut seed until thoroughly dry.

            Mr. Allen in closing said:  “We cannot lay down any cast iron rules that will apply to each locality.  Be your own judge.  Cut and try.”

            The potatoes of the convention having been ably planted after the most approved manner, were turned over to Mr. Spaulding, who barrowed, cultivated, bugged and dug them to the entire satisfaction of all present.  Mr. Spaulding said he made free and constant use of the harrow after planting until the potatoes were from three to six inches high.

            After the potatoes are up, do not use the harrow until about  10 o’clock,, as the plants are brittle and easily broken off until the sun has well warmed them up.  Harrow both ways.  It does not hurt the young vines to cover the tops.  Use a straight tooth harrow.  Potatoes planted three inches deep cannot be harrowed four inches deep with any great degree of success.  Cultivate about an inch and a half deep; but when it is dry cultivate as shallow as possible.  Do not disturb the roots.  All weeds not reached with the cultivator should be removed by hand.  A good crop of weeds and a good crop of potatoes cannot be raised at the same time.

            Bugging:  For old bugs use Paris green in the proportion of one pound to one hundred and fifty pounds of land plaster.  After the eggs are hatched, use Paris green and water; about a teaspoon full of the former to an ordinary watering pot of the later.

            Digging:  The six tined fork was recommended.  Pickers to follow the diggers and the potatoes to be put in the cellar as soon as possible.  If exposed to the air and sun for any length of time they become bitter.

            Mr. Spaulding gave an itemized account showing the profits of potato growing.