OUR FARM HISTORY
What's the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
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ARRIVAL OF YOUR SWEET POTATO PLANTS
Upon opening the box, we may appear to be somewhat pale or brown in color but WE ARE alive and well. We look this way because we have been enclosed in this dark box for a few days. Our leaves and roots have been conditioned for this journey, but we need to be planted as soon as possible. Please return us to the good earth and give us a nice drink of water and we will reward you with a bountiful harvest.
SOIL PREPARATION, FERT. & INSECT CONTROL
A southern exposure & good drainage of sandy loam soil & PH of 6.0–6.5 is ideal for growing quality sweet potatoes. (1)Till the soil deep in Spring 2-3 wks before planting; (2) Per 25 ft. row: mix together & till in row 3 lbs. of 6-12-12 fertilizer. (3) Make Bedded rows approx. 36”-42” apart. Bed rows should be 8-10 inches high & 12-14 inches wide & flat on top. Northern gardeners should consider laying black plastic over bed rows 1 week before planting. cut 3X3 inch holes in plastic for planting.
SETTING PLANTS IN GARDEN & SURVIVAL OF PLANTS
After allowing plants to rehydrate for 4-6 hours, Set plants asap upon arrival. Best time is 2 hrs. before dark. If planting is not possible due to unusually cold (soil temperature should be above 65°) or wet weather, remove plants & wrapping from box, stand upright in shady place under protection from frost, rain, wind, sun. (Don’t wet leaves) keep roots damp only. Longtime survival;keep plant roots on wet moss, wet sawdust, or wet newspapers, etc. 12-100 plants set in flower pots in house until weather improves. Plant spacing 10”-16”. Wide spacing of plants should speed up maturity. Short spacing a more uniform & possibly more smaller baking size.Use a small garden tool or hand to set plants approx. 4-6 inches deep or leave one node above ground
CULTIVATION, SIDEDRESSING, WATER, INSECTS
Uncontrolled grass-weeds can destroy your potato crop. Sidedress your plants 30 days after transplanting with 6-12-12 Fert. 3 Lbs. per 25 Ft. row. This will feed the roots @ the proper time for an abundant yield. Sweet potatos need about one half inch of water per week in 85–100 deg.temps. Apply Sevin or Malathion @ 2 tbsp. per gallon of water every 10–14 days beginning when vines are about 12 inches long. Follow all label applications.
HARVESTING YOUR POTATOES
Check your sweet potatoes around 90 days by digging underneath your rows with a fork or shovel, making sure not to detach potatoes from vines. If not to your satisfaction gently lower back into the ground and cover with soil. Dig your potatoes no later than light frost.
STORAGE
Move tubers to an open building if temperature does not get below 55°. Keep out of direct sunlight and rain. Dry like this if possible for about one week. This heals cuts and scrapes for a good winter storage. If this air cure is not possible, store potatoes in a room or building for one week at 85° and relative humidity of 85 percent. A little fan will help considerably moving the air around. After completion move potatoes to their winter storage area or basement at no less than 58° and no more than 60°. Do not guess at temperature. Use a thermometer. Select your potatoes from your crates or baskets as you come to them. DO NOT MOVE POTATOES AROUND IN BASKETS SO THEY WILL KEEP BETTER.Your harvest is complete. PLACE POTATOES IN PERMANENT BASKET OR CRATES AND DO NOT WASH OFF DIRT UNTIL READY TO COOK!
STOP & READ–PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS:
DO NOT REFRIGERATE Your plants or potatoes!! Sweet potato slips/potatoes are tropical & will not live in the cold.
DO NOT PLANT sweet potato plants until all danger of frost is over, or a week past your frost date. At a temperature of 55 degrees is best!
As you can see, sweet potatoes are good for you!
"We are just beginning to discover the real value and marvelous possibilities of this splendid vegetable."
George Washington Carver, 1937