SEED POTATOES
You can work out the quantity you will need
fairly easily if you remember that seed potatoes usually average 5 or 6
tubers to the pound, and that a convenient distance to plant early varieties
is a foot apart ; other varieties 15 inches apart.
Yields from allotments and gardens are usually less
than from an equal area of potatoes on the farm. One important cause is
unsatisfactory seed. No amount of manure or good cultivation will make up
for the initial disadvantage of poor seed. It is unwise to save for seed
potatoes grown in allotments or gardens.
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So get
good seed carrying a "Health" certificate issued by one of the Agriculture
Departments. That is your safeguard. Consult some knowledgeable local grower
about this and about the varieties best suited to your district. Here are
some selected varieties for your guidance :–– EARLIES
Epicure, Arran Pilot, Sharpe's Express, Duke of York,
May Queen, Ninety-Fold.
SECOND EARLIES
Dunbar Rover, Great Scot.
MAINCROPS
Majestic, King Edward VII, Arran Banner, Gladstone,
Kerr's Pink, Redsking, Up-to-Date, Arran Victory, Arran Peak, Dunbar
Standard.
As soon as you get your seed potatoes, place them in shallow boxes with
the crown or rose end upwards, and keep in a cool, dry place with plenty of
light, but frost-proof. Make quite sure by covering in severe weather.
Sprouting potatoes makes for earliness and high yields. "Dig for Victory"
Leaflet No. 12 will give you more detailed information about seed potatoes. |
