446 



VEGETABLE GARDENING 



in vegetable matter. It is better, however, to apply 

 them to a hoed crop the previous year, but, if this cannot 

 be done, they must be thoroughly rotted, to prevent ex- 

 cessive vine growth. 



633. Planting. — Field planting should not begin until 

 the ground is thoroughly warm and there is no further 

 danger of frost. The favorite time is before and after 

 rains. If the ground is dry success is more certain when 

 a small quantity of water is used with each plant than 



FIG. 103. SWEET POTATO SETS OR DRAWINGS 



if the plants are set in the dry soil. If level culture 

 is practiced the usual planting distance is 24 x 30 inches. 

 When planted on ridges, a very general practice, the 

 plants are usually spaced 14 to 18 inches apart in the 

 rows, with 36 to 42 inches between rows. It is cus- 

 tomary to plant from 8,000 to 12,000 plants an acre. 



The plants should not be "drawn" until well rooted. 

 (Figure 103.) To remove a plant from the tuber, hold 



