226 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



is desirable, because of more favorable soil moisture conditions. 

 If the ground is quite dry at the time of transplanting, it will be 

 an advantage to puddle the roots and to use a little water with 

 each plant. The plants are generally set 14 to 18 inches apart 

 with 36 to 42 inches between rows. From 8000 to 12,000 plants 

 are generally set on an acre of land. 



1. When should sweet potato plants be set in the open ground? 



W-VG:446. Fi: 33-35. 



2. What are the proper planting distances ? 



W-VG:446. L:255. C:426. 



3. How many plants will you need for your project? 



8. Cultivating. — W : 44. Tillage should begin as soon as 

 possible after planting. It is customary to work the soil between 

 the rows up to the plants so as to form broad, flat ridges. Suitable 

 cultivators are used until the vines render tillage impossible. 



1. What tools will you need to cultivate the sweet potatoes ? 

 Fi : 36-42. 



9. Harvesting. — Though sweet potatoes are palatable before 

 they have attained full size, the general practice is not to dig them 

 until they have reached maturity. It is desirable to harvest 

 them before frost has injured the vines, and when the ground is 

 dry and there is bright sunny weather. The tubers should be 

 allowed to dry in the field for a few hours and then be taken to 

 either temporary or permanent storage. 



1. What is the proper time and what are the best conditions for the 



harvesting of sweet potatoes ? 

 W-VG:448. L:257. C:428. Fi:42. 



2. What implements are used for this purpose ? 



W-VG : 447. L : 257. C : 428. 



