POTATOES 



173 



inches apart in the rows, requiring over 8000 plants per 

 acre. The plants are set in the ground by hand, by tongs, 

 or by large machine planters. 



Cultivation is simple and does not last long as the vines 

 soon cover the ground. Large weeds are usually pulled by 

 hand or cut with hoes. 



Harvesting is done before cold weather. The vines must 

 be cut loose from the hills before they are frozen to prevent 

 injury of the crop. There are special plows, similar to Fig. 

 87, for digging sweet potatoes. Small areas are often dug 

 with spading forks. 



FIG. 89. A single sweet potato from the hot-bed, showing many young sprouts. 

 Note the difference in the size of young plants. (Experiment Station, N. J.) 



Storage is necessary if the crop is not sold immediately. 

 Special pits and heated buildings are constructed for storing 

 sweet potatoes. The roots must be handled with the greatest 

 care to avoid bruising them if they are to be stored. When 

 first put into storage they go through a "sweating" or curing 

 process; this requires a temperature of 85 or 90 F. After 

 that the temperature is kept at 55 to 65 F. A great deal of 

 ventilation is required to keep the place perfectly dry. 



