Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-04-08
Farm \ firesiae,



Sweet potatoes are most readily grown on
deep, sandy soil; but all farmers lands are
not sandy, and with those whose soil is a
heavy loan they may be grown of good |
quality, by proper method of planting and |
cultivatipg. But sandy soil is the best for |
the production of sweet potatoes Of the best
quality.
About the second week in May, in this lati-
tude, prepare the ground to have the plants
set out in hills, Soil that is sandy should be
ploughed seven inches deep but soil that is
heavy loan, five inches deep; as potatoes
grow short and chunky by shdtiot0 plough
ing
After the ground is ploughed, harrow it
over thoroughly; but on soil that is heavy
loan, use the cultlvator after narrowing,
getting ii in ms mellow conditi IA as possible.
Tue ground may be marked OF on sandy
soil, five inches deep, with u pillow drawing
burrows each way Tor hills, three and a-haf
feet apart; this will give space between rows
to farm the hills each way, with pillow or
cutlvator; but on soil that is heavy burrows
should be drawn fonr feet apart each way. as
vines run and spread thick over such ground.
On such soils they should be further apart
Apply to the hill half shovellul of horse
stable manure that has been well rotted and
has laid at least sic months in compost.
noe up the earth on top Of manure placed
in hill fourteen inches high. Once hoeing
around will form hill sufficiently large.
After hills are made they are ready for
plants. Set one sprout in a hill. which is
performed by running the right hand down
IN the middle OF the hill into the manure. Id
with the other hand put in the sprout as the
right hand is drawn out, being careful to
have all flores of roots set in the manure and
earth, which should be pressed around plants.
Water thoroughly, and Immediately cover
the surface Of hills slightly with dry earth, TO
prevent the ground from becoming soddun,
especially on soil that is a heavy loan.
In the course Of two-weeks after plants
are set out, they require cultivation.
In the first place, the soil around plants
should be loosened. This should be done
with the thumb and fore finger but on soil
that is a heavy loan Qf the ground has be.
come sodden,) u trowel may he used-beine
careful not TO disturb any roots. or fibres Of
roots.
They my be ploughed once on soil that
is q heavy loan--oltcner Qf Of choice) on
sandy soil This should be done before the
vines commence to run and spread over the
ground. After being ploughed, hoe imme
qialely, loosening the ground around the
plants.
After vines have run and spread, so as TO
be in the way Of working they may he turn
ed, 50 as 10 leave rows open to the pow or
oultiyator (cultivator preferably, as it does
not leave Tue ground ''ridged up" and the
hills have better access to the rays of the
sun. This is important, especially on soil
that is heavy, Turn the vines between
rows, right add lelt-this should he d. ne
with the hands, laying vines on every two
rows. which viii give open way 10 the nlow
or cultintor. When rows are ploughed or
cultivated on one side, hce up the earth
around hills Of plunts-ihen turn back the
vines, and the adjoining RVS will lie open
proceed in the same manner. After
(which, spread the vines over the ground.
During tue growing season, on sandy soil,
they should be laimtd once in every Two
weeks, hut cfelter on soil that is heavy
lpam-and be particular TO keep the earth
upalounl hills 81 plants 10 ensure moisture
10 the nill.
They WI require cultivation up to the
tifst " Sc cmber, and the vines should be
Kept loose from growing fast TO the GROUND,
uatll within Two or three weeks Of the time
to dig them.
The proper Time to dig them .Dr packing
Is lAe first week 81 Octobpr- aid should he
dug, II possible, before frost has killed the
vines; bui Should frost come soouerlo black
cn the vines, tuey should Dc dug Immediate
y lJr II the season is stormy, and nrnunu
hgeps wei and cold, the potatoes Mn take
i,juG
sw,tl POTATOES, when dug, Should lty III
lle suu, il possible 20 dry, But should ;hu
weather mol permit, spread them ont thinl,
on me ipur in warm, dry room. where
iiiere Is IRE % dry them; ana ue particular
u- 10 uaul'e t1en roughly, biusc or skin
lUrn, or they viii rot iulnrJiatf o.