Show FARM ARM TOPICS lipics SWEET POTATO HARVEST TIME growers cheat jack frost by digging quickly by LEWIS F WATSON extension horticulturist it C state staff collet college shortening days and cooler nights herald the arrival of fall and harvest time for sweet potatoes one staple in the diet of many farm people potatoes keep best when they are allowed to mature before harvesting and before frost kills the vines if the vines are killed by frost they should be removed immediately and the potatoes dug soon use a vine cutter attached to the beam of the plow when vines are not removed before harvest this attachment should be constructed so as to prevent the blade which cuts the vine from going deep enough to injure the potato one of the most important rules at harvest time is not to bruise the pota potatoes foes they should not be thrown from one row to another three rows can easily be placed together without throwing the potatoes bruised yams bams not easily in storage and dark spots caused by rough handling lower the market value of the crop As the potatoes are removed from the soil and piled in the heap row they should be graded carefully all ali cut or broken yams bams should be piled separately from the no Is and fed to stock as soon as possible for curing and storing a regular storage crate has many advantages over the bushel tub besides conserving room the crate allows a better circulation of air potatoes should be stored and cured in a thoroughly cleaned and dry house immediately after harvesting proper temper temperature atule abiu and moisture conditions are essential factors in keeping the crop |