LIVE AND
VIGOROUS FOR A HEALTHY START
Weather conditions will play a
big part of your sweet potato crop. Although sweet potatoes
are a dry type crop, they can withstand dry spells, but if
water is available use it. Example: 85º - 98º daytime weather
about ½ rainfall per week. This should produce top quality
tubers and abundant yield.
ARRIVAL OF
YOUR SWEET POTATO PLANT
Expect your plants to be
somewhat pale in color due to enclosure during shipment.
Plants are very tough to these conditions. When planted
promptly, they will grow very well. Plants are sometimes
trimmed to stop overheating during shipment. Roots also
trimmed off for conditioning. Do not be alarmed by trimming.
Plant as usual. We only guarantee the arrival of live
plants.
SOIL
PREPARATION
A sandy loam soil is ideal for
growing good quality sweet potatoes. The loose smooth soil
will usually produce a clean smooth tuber. Sweet potatoes
are grown in all 50 states. Example: Use 5lbs of 6-12-12 or
15-15-15 per 50ft row. Soil
conditions will vary state to state. Southern exposure is
best location. Water needs to run off of potato patch. Good
drainage is a must.
Setting
Plants in Garden
Set plants as soon as possible upon arrival. The best time
is 2 hours before dark. Set after wind calms. If planting is
not possible take plants from box and stand upright in a
shady place under protection from rain, sun, wind or frost.
Do Not Wet Leaves!, only keep roots damp. Some ideas for
survival, keep roots on wet moss, sawdust, wet newspaper,
etc...12 Plants -100 set in flower pot in house to weather
improves.
Planting or Setting
Garden rows need to be
approximately 3 feet apart. Row should be 8” to 10” high.
About 12”-16” wide at top. Plant spacing about 10”-18.”Wide
spacing in rows could produce large tubers; short spacing a
more uniform tuber. A small garden shovel or transplanter
can be used to set plants. Use water when setting. Plant
dept about 3”-4.”
CULTIVATION
Keep soil free of grass and
weed until potatoes are matured to your satisfaction. Baking
size, #1, or jumbo. Simply examine your hills and dig
accordingly to your heart’s desire.
“DIGGING”
YOUR POTATOES
Carefully dig tubers with a
large fork or shovel. They also can be dug by hand if your
soil is loose enough. Place tubers in permanent basket or
crate and do not wash dirt off.
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