The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1875-03-12
SWEET POTATO CULTURE
IN SOUTHWESNE
KANSAS,

Inc culture OF the sweet potato
can be much more successfully and
probably carried on in this part OF
Kansas, than is supposed by many,
both for general table use, and for
keeping over for the spring de-
mand, the latter of which is not
likely to be over5one for many
years to come. Persons intending
to plant largely, should procure the
seed and sprout for themselves; Iii.
rections for which is clearly set
forth in the Kansas Farmer of Feb
urar Oath, 1875, Vol. xiii, No. s.
We sprout for our own use also
largely for sale. We select mulaito
soil if 1t is to be had, sandy soil is
better, but not often found in this
part of Kansas. If We have well
rotted manure q coat of that is ap.
piled; also leached ashes, which
make the tubers more mealy. The
ground should be plowed in the
fall. When we are ready to set the
plants, which is any time between
the 10th of May and the 1st of July.
Il have known good potatoes raised
where the plants were set out on
the 4th of Jnly.) The ground is
thrown up into ridges with a two
horse stirring plow 3 feet to 4 feet
apart, as is desired. l prefer to
have the rows feet wide as have
plenty of land and can cover mp the
vines much better and get them out
of the way in digging. After
smoothing with a rake to get a
broad top, the ridge is ready for the
plants which should be set deep
enough to cover the lower leaves,
the large leaves being covered up
do not continually by evaporation
weaken the life of the plant. If
frost Injuries the top, or cut worms
cut it of, new shoots are at once
started from the base of the buried
leaves so that the plant is not lost.
If the ground be naturally moist no
watering is required, but if it is
dry give half pint TO the plant,
and when absorb by the earth
draw fresh soil over it so that the
surface will not bake. When plants
have come from a distance ami the
ground is not ready, do not at once
wet them, but if the roots have been
we'll ooZ d with mud before ship
ped. simply put in a cool, shady
place until ready for them. Some
times it is well enough to take them
from the box or package in which
they are shipped to avoid heating.
We usually set the punches on damp
saw-dust. More plants rot from
moisture than die for the want OF
it. If we desire long potatoes we
plow deep, hard bottom secures
shorter and thicker potatoes, which
are more suitable for cooking and
in better demand than long ones.
With the use of horse tools be-
tween tie rows ana : -hpe on the
ridges the ground is easily kept
clean till the vines cover it. The
vines should be lifted from the
ground at least twice during the
season, which may be done by rum
ming 8 rolling Golfer attached to a
beam, (similar to bling attached to
q plo " besm) between the rows
where the vines intermingle to cut
them on; then take hoe or hand
rake, which is better, and draw
them snugly to the top of the ridge
which viii break them loose from
the ground, exposing it TO the
warmth of the spn, and keep The
top of the ridge moist. The eolter
is also nsed on each side of the ridge
when they are ready TO dig, then
take a sharp hoe and clip of the