Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1917-07-20

/ SSh 'bNS1tfN9 ~
| prepared by the United States Depart
ment OF Agriculture.)
Sweet potatoes may be grown from
either draws (slips plants) or vine cut
tings. If extra early potatoes are de
| sired, draws should be used, but fol
later crops vine cuttings are generally
preferred. When vine cuttings are to
be used draws are set in the field as
early as possible. and after the plants
begin to send out runners, cuttings are
made to plant the additional acreage
One acre of early set plants under
| average conditions will furnish enough
cuttings to set six to ten acres.
Plant Beds.
Draws are produced by sprOuting
medium-sized or small roots in warm
plant beds. These beds are usually
heated by using fresh horse manure
or by means of fire carried in flues
underneath the bed. Wherever steam
or hot water Is used on the farm II
may be economical to heat the beds
from this supply.
In some instances plants are grown
In cold frames covered with glass, the
heat from the sun being the only heat
secured. Plants for late crop are
often grown i'm the open without any
heat or protection.
The hOtbeds should he located on a
well-drained southern slope, in place
where they will have protection from
cold winds. If natural shelter does
not exist windbreak may be con-
structed of boards. pine boughs, corn
fodder. etc. The beds should be To-
Gated near good water supply and as
convenient to the farm buildings as
possible.
Covers Of Beds.
Plant beds need some form OF COW
ering, not only to retain the heat. but
to shed water. The ideal covering is
glass sash, but where this is not avail
able canvas or oiled muslin is used.
Many growers in the South practice
covering the beds with hay or pine
straw, but where early plants are de-
SiiCh illtN IL llol
Sweet potatoes are usually bedded
I'm plant beds about six weeks before
they are desired for planting, but if no
source Of heat is supplied plants cannot
be secured under seven or eight weeks.
Care Of Plant Beds.
In sprOuting potatoes a layer (fOur
to five incheS) of sand or loose soil is
put I'm the bed, and the potatoes bedded
firmly I'm this. close together. but not
touching. After the potatoes are
placed Il layer of two inches of sand
Is spread evenly over them and water
applied until the soil is well damp
ened. When the plants begin to break
through the surface another inch of
should he watered when dry. thorough
~ moistening the soil, but not soaking
il. When the plants appear the bed
should he ventilated whenever the
weather permits, and few days be-
fore planting the covers should be left
off entirely to harden the plants.
The soil for sweet potatoes should
be thoroughly prepared before plant
ing. for this extra labor in preparation
will be repaid by the ease of later Op-
erations. The depth of blowing has
considerable influence on the shape of
the potatoes produced. A deep soil
produces roots that are long and slen-
der. while a more shallow soil tends to
mr. s.hhrt chunky oh
more desirable for market. A soil of
medium depth five to six inches) is
usually best for potatoes. Flowing
should be done when the soil will
break up fine and mellow. and the har-
row should follow Immediately after
the blowing If the soil is very cloddy
lt should be rolled. and the best re-
suits are obtained after light show
er when the clOds are moist.
Sweet potatoes are sometimes grown
on ridges made by throwing two or
four burrows together. A planker or
float Is then run over the ridges to
flatten them down and compact the
soil. Low. fiat ridges are generally
W HieH IluStS. 1HtTt are
on the market that will mark
the land. distribute the fertilizer. and
form the ridges all at one operation.
Planting.
When the sweet-pOtatO plants have
developed three or four leaves they
are ready for setting in the field. The
bed should be thoroughly watered be-
fore pulling the plants, and the potato
should he held In place with one hand
while the plants are pulled with the
other.
The plants may be set by hand or
with transplanting machines. In
planting by hand small hole Is made
with the finger or a pointed stick, the
plant inserted in the hole, and the soil
tirmly packed around the plant. When
the soil is dry small quantity of wa
ter is poured around the roots. and
after the water has soaked I'm loose
earth is pulled up around the plant.
machines open the fur
rows. apply the water. and firm the
Rape for the Pigs.
TRY anUtuO anna rapo for tho rf1c