222 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



1. Why grow sweet potatoes ? — In most parts of the North, 

 gardeners who are looking for real business opportunities will not 

 attempt the culture of sweet potatoes. However, there are sec- 

 tions along the Atlantic Coast, especially in New Jersey, as well 

 as in the Central West, where the crop is highly profitable, and 

 where it deserves serious consideration as a business proposition. 

 Students are referred to the literature on the subject, which is excel- 

 lent and quite extensive. If soil and climatic conditions are favor- 

 able, and sweet potatoes of the highest quality can be grown, the 

 crop may offer just as great inducements as any other vegetable. 



1. .Will it pay you to grow sweet potatoes? 



2. Are sweet potatoes produced at a profit in your neighborhood? 



3. What is known about the botanical history of the sweet potato? 



W-VG:43o. 0:421. Fi:7. W:220. 



4. What is its importance as a food crop in the United States? 



W-VG:435. C: 421-422. Fi: 14-19. 



2. Selecting location. — The sweet potato plant is very tender 

 to cold and demands a high temperature and a long season. For 

 these reasons it is mainly a southern crop. The soil must also be 

 perfectly drained, warm, loose, and friable. Soils containing a 

 high percentage of sand with a fairly retentive subsoil are ideal 

 for this crop. There should also be an ample supply of plant 

 food. 



1. What are the most suitable climatic conditions for the growing 



of sweet potatoes ? W-VG : 439. L : 254. Fi : 19. 



2. What kinds of soil are best for the growing of sweet potatoes? 



W-VG: 439. L:254. C:422. Fi:21. 



