Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-21
SWEET POTATO CULTURE.

There need be nothing said at this time
as 20 the methods employed in bedding
sweet potatoes. as the roots. or tubers
have already been planted and will soon
be ready for transplanting the slips TO the
field crops This article win be confined
% a discussion OF what are already con-
feded 70 be some OF the best plans for the
Preparation OF the land upon which the
crop Is 70 be grown. fertilization.
transplanting and cultivation The
sweet potato crop is one OF the
most important OF the small crops
planted on southern farms. for use
on the table. supplying the demands OF
our local markets and as a stock food for
hogs and cattle.
The sweetpotato makes its best growth
and most prolific yield on a warm. sandy,
vel drained soil Freshly cleared land Is
also desirable. Heavy stim clays should
be avoided II possible. Except In light.
sandy soils. the first ploughing should be
deep and thoroughly done. After breaking,
the land should be narrowed and rolled
The next step would be 70 lay or the rows
from 20 feet apart with a long shovel.
after which drill in the manure or other
Fertilizers. following with a scooter TO
mix the ingredients well in with the soil.
then ridge up with twister or turn plOw,
and natten down the ridge with a board.
so as 20 leave a smooth even surface 70
receive the slips. good mixture for one
acre OF land. OF fertilizer. would be
tons OF stable manure. 100 pounds OF acid
phosphate and 30 pounds OF KANT.
commercial fertilizer which would
give good results and furnish the differ
ent elements OF plant food required in the
development OF the tubers would be as
follows:
Cotton seed NEAL. -. -. ....-2o0 pounds.
Acid phosphate ..-l59 POUNDS
kanlr .....+l pounds
or there could be used in place OF the
cotton seed meal Is pounds OF dried blood.
or 10 pounds OF nitrate OF soda. and in
place OF the KANT 100 pounds OF muriate
Of potash. These formulas are made up
n smaller proportions than they should
be. II the potatoes are TO be grown for
market. or large yields expected As an
average fertilizer, however. they would be
in about the right proportions.
TranspIaIntina and Cultivation.
The slips or sprouts, when from to s
inches long should be carefully removed
from the bed without disiocating the
parent potato. The slips should then be
dropped along on top OF the ridges from
Is 70 IS inches apart They can be rapid
Isl transplanted either with the fingers or
a pair OF homemade wooden tongs. made
az two pieces OF laths or small strips three
feet long separated by a block nailed be-
tween them at one end; the strips at
their free ends are about one inch apart
and are easily pressed together by the
grasp OF the hand IN seizing the slip. A
stick carried in the left hand can be used
10 press the soil around the plant. This
simple plan relieves the planter from so
much STOPPING and hastens the work II
the ground is dry when the slips are ready
for tansplanting a teacupful OF water
should be poured into the holes made TO
receive the slip and dry dirt Immediately
~ lii
orzfion OF moisture IL Is always safer and
better 20 transplant in dry weather. using
water as above described II the soil con-
tafns much clay the plan OF transplanting
after q rain Is 20 be condemned. The
ground may be either too wet or not moist
enough. A thin batter made OF COW ma
nure and water Is often used. into which
the roots Of The slips are dipped at time
AZ transpIanting. This Is q good plan, es-
recially when the slips are 20 be trans
rlanted into rather dry soil without
watering. The transplanting should always
be done IN the afternoon. so as 70 escape
the hot rays OF the midday sun, which Is
altering 10 the newly planted slips. BY
the next day the rOotlets have taken hold
and the effect OF the hot sunshine Is not
e bad. The missing hills should be reset
a. soon as possible In two a three days
after transplanting hoe out the patch and
1--WE the first plowings. Cultivation should
weeds and grass and to keep the surface
Of the soil loose and porous Two hoeings
md four ploWinEs are usually sufficient
20 make the crop, so far as working Is
concerned. All cultivation should be shall
fow. Do the deep blowing before the slips
are set out. When the vines begin TO run
they can Be easily turned out OF the way
~ the piow BY means Of a long stick.
Never throw any dirt on the vines. and
prevent them from taking root across the
middle OF the rows II possible. There is no
rel to interfere with the vines after
cultivation The expense does not justify
A. except IN very rich land. where the vines
may be predisposed to root bad at the
Harvesting and Storing.
In some cases in order TO meet the de-
rnaud and secure high prices for the po-
tatoes they are gathered early In the sea-
on and before the tubers are fully ripe.
In most instances. however farmers await
maturity before gathering. This can best
- determined. II harvested before frost.
hv breaking several OF the tubers into
pieces and exposing them for short time
|. 70 the air II sufficiently ripe TO keep
ven. the original color Of the potato is
nafntained, II not the broken parts will
~c<u to a dark or greenish appearance.
-<ne work or blowing up the potatoes
should be carefully done. as all cut or
injured tubers must be used al once. or
they are apt 70 decay. 1t is a good plan
a. first remove the vines from the rows.
and then pillow up the tubers. Let the
potatoes as gathered be placed in small
niles 80 as 10 dry rapidly.
when they are hauled up. exercise care
IN handling 10 prevent bruising. Make
the hills by raising a circular place u
inches above the surrounding soil and
about 5 feet In diameter. Place on this
a basket full Of dry hay shucks or straw.
- In
contact with the most soil. Assert the