54 HOW TO PLANT. 



SWEET POTATO. (Ipomcva Batatas.) 

 Early in March (but much later if you are not ready so 

 soon as this) bad the potatoes somewhat after this man- 

 ner : out of doors in the South, under glass in the North. 

 Select a spot where water will not stand, take out the 

 soil about eight inches deep, three feet wide, and any 

 length you please, fill in with good strong stable manure 

 four or five inches deep, on which spread fine top soil 

 one-half an inch to oue inch deep, on this lay the pota- 

 toes as close together as possible and not to touch each 

 other, press firmly down, then scatter lightly over them 

 some thoroughly rotted lot manure, then cover about four 

 inches deep with the top soil you threw out of the bed. 

 Place a few boards over the bed to prevent heavy rains 

 from falling on it too much. After frosts are over take 

 off about two inches of the .covering and the slips or 

 plants will soon appear. From the latter part of May to 

 July 4th, transplant to where you wish to make the 

 crop. Break the land thoroughly, but not necessarily 

 deep ; low, level and damp lands will not do ; high, dry, 

 mellow or loamy soils are best, and the fresher the better. 

 Lay off rows three and a half to four feet apart, and in 

 this furrow apply two to four hundred pounds of ammo- 

 niated superphosphate, containing potash, per acre. If 

 home-made manure is used, be sure that it is old and 

 thoroughly decomposed, and if possible mix some ashes 

 and acid phosphate with it. Cover this furrow by run- 

 ning on each side of it with a one-horse turn plow, thus 

 making a narrow ridge ; on which plant the slips eighteen 

 inches apart, keep clear of weeds and grass until the vines 

 begin to run freely, then hill up and lay by. It is well not 

 to permit the vines to take root between the rows, as this 

 will diminish the crop. Loosen up the vines occasionally. 

 A fork hoe is good for the purpose. Just before, or soon 

 after frost in the fall, dig the potatoes and store away in a 

 dry, warm place for winter. A common-sense way to do 



