CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 



447 



the potato in place with one hand and pull with the 

 other. The roots are often puddled before transplanting. 

 This is especially valuable when conditions are not very- 

 favorable for the work. On small areas the plants are 

 often set by hand, by the use of dibbers or trowels. In 

 some sections, special tools known as tongs, shovels and 

 dibbers are employed. (See Farmers' Bulletin 324, pp. 

 20 and 21, U. S. D. A.) Horse transplanting machines 

 are often used in setting large areas. 



FIG. 104. PLOWS FOR HARVESTING SWEET POTATOES 



634. Cultivation should be started as soon as possible 

 after planting. The loose soil in the alleys is gradually 

 worked toward the rows, forming broad, flat ridges. 

 Spike-tooth cultivators are then used as often as neces- 

 sary, until vine growth prevents further tillage. Some 

 hand hoeing is usually necessary, but this should be 

 avoided as much as possible and should be reduced to 

 a minimum when the plants are set in check rows. 



