[AT] potato planting

[Herb Metz]

Ron & Others,
We used our old team of mules and a walk behind plow, and hand placed the 
potato in side of the "just turned ridge" approx 2" below ground level, then 
plowed a couple more ridges, then planted the next row of potatoes.  Repeat 
until done.  Then mulch with wheat straw.   Few weeds, but did have to look 
forward to potato bugs.  Add half cup of kerosene to couple cups of water in 
half bushel metal bucket, place tipped bucket against potato plant, lean 
plant into bucket, then tap or jiggle plant until bugs lost grip and fell 
into bucket.
We also used lister-planters for corn and soybeans (some sandy ground, some 
black soil - central KS).  Some farmers on all black soil used check row 
planters.
Herb


-----Original Message----- 
From: Ron Cook
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 12:23 AM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] potato planting

Grant,
     Would you explain what you mean by double listing?  I take it as
throwing the ridge back to the furrow.

I was thinking of using the lister as a plow as well as building a seed
bed.  The lister, as we used them for corn and soybeans, would plant the
seeds in the furrow, whereas the potatoes would be hand planted on the
ridges.  Am I right?
Ron Cook
Salix, IA
On 4/15/2013 2:30 PM, Grant Brians wrote:
> Yes. The key is breaking up your soil well enough. We use a potato planter
> now, but have double listed to hand plant. Your mileage may vary based on
> soil , weather, climate and fertilization.... Our planter basically has an
> integrated lister as part of the planting mechanism. We do have to disc 
> and
> chisel or rip to prepare the soil.
>          Grant Brians
>          Hollister,California vegetable, nuts and fruit farmer
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
> [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com]On Behalf Of Ron Cook
> Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 11:15 AM
> To: jdat; Antique tractor email discussion group
> Subject: [AT] potato planting
>
>
> Has anyone used a lister to prepare a potato patch for planting?
>
> Ron Cook
> Salix, IA