Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1869-04-23
Planting and oultivating Sweet Potatoes


After hills are made they are ready
for plants. Set one sprout in hill,
which is performed by running the right
hand down in tho middle of the bill into
ths manure. aud with the o,hcr band |
put 10 the sprout as the right hand is
drawn out, being careful to have all f.
bres Of roots set in the manure and earth,
which should be pressed around plants
Water thoroughly, and Immediately
cover the surface of hillss lightly with
dry earth, TO prevent the ground from
bee ming sodden, especially on soil that
is 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;
bat on soil that is heavy loan, Of the
ground has become so1den,) trowel
may be used-being careful not to dis
turb any roots, or fibers of roots.
They may be ploughed once on soil
that is heavy loam--oftencr, (if of
choice on sandy soil. This should be
done before the vines commence to run
and spread over the ground After be
ing ploughed, hoe immediately, loosen
ing the ground around the plants.
After vines have run and spread, so as
to be in the way of working, they may
be turned, SO as to leave rows open to the
pillow or cultivator, (cultivator prefera-
ble,) as it does not leave the ground
ridgej up, and the hills have better
access to the rays Of the sun, This is
important, especially on soil that is
heavy. .sV 4ct rs5rq a
Turn the vines between rows, right
and left this should be done with the
hands, laying vines on every two rows,
which will give open way to the pillow or
cultivator. When rows are ploughed
or cultivated on one side, hoe up tie
earth around hills of plan,s--then turn
back the vines, a-d the adjoining rows
will beEopen ogprocced in thelssme
manner. After which, spread the vine.
over the ground. o. mnoioo ai
During the growing season, on sandy
soil, they should be farmed once in every
two weeks, but oiiener on soil that is q
heavy loam--and be particular to beeI
the earth up around hill Of plants to in,
sure moisture to the hill. alt
They viii req ire cultivation up the
first Of September, and the vines should
bokept loose from growing fast to the
ground, until within two or three week,
Of time to dig them. The proper time
to dig them for packing, is the frs
week Of October, aud should be dug, i
possible, before frost has killed the vine
but shonld frost come sooner TO blackei
the vines, they should be dug immedi
atoly /; for if the season is stormy, an,
ground keeps wet and cold, the potatoe
win take Injury. Sweet potatoes, whe
dug, should lay in the sun, if possible
to dry. But should the weather nc
permit, spread them out thinly OF .b
floor in warhi, dry room, tehere her
as fire 10 dry them and be particula
not to handle them roghly, bruise O
skin them, or they will rot immediately
They may be packed soon as dug, i
BY laying in thesun they are perfect
dry, (and this is o much better way
but if not dry, Con the day they al
dugO Let them dry ia warm dry room
rs have stated, hefore they ure packoC
If any quality of them lay togcthe
they will heat within two or the day
They should be packed before heatin
and must be dry when packed for keel
ing. 1881 ,Je gsl a,le-4,a