Jersey is seldom grown except by amateurs as it requires a long season. The plants are started from tubers set in a mild hotbed; sprouts will rise and root themselves, when they are cut off without disturbing the potatoes which send up a second crop. From the sprouts when set in the field vines will spring, and by cuttings taken from their tips more vines may be propagated. The plant requires a rich loose soil preferably deep; culture is simple but diseases are troublesome; the tubers should be dug as soon as the vines have been touched with frost, and stored out of reach of frost. Varieties are numerous and difficult to classify; there is a vineless kind. Soil rich light loose quick. Stable manure may be used or fertilizer nitrogen 3% phosphoric acid 7% potash 12%. Either should be well worked into the soil before sprouts set, and may be put along rows. Distances—set sprouts cuttings eighteen inches by two to three feet. Depth—sprouts deeper than before; cover cuttings horizontally all but tips. Sprouting—the potatoes are laid in a mild hotbed three to four weeks before frosts will pass. Use whole tubers, cover with light earth. When the sprouts are four to five inches long and well rooted break them from tubers set field. Take subsequent sprouts until no more appear. In North seedsmen sell sprouts. Cuttings made from tips of young vines six to nine inches long. Cultivate regularly until vines cover ground. Allow vines to root. Dig as soon as vines touched with frost. A heavy frost likely spoils tubers. Store in sand boxes away from frost. Diseases—various kinds of rot; practice rotation, reject diseased plants, dig when weather dry, handle carefully, use sulphur kainit mixed 300-400 pounds per acre against soil rot. Against black rot do not set affected sprouts but plant seed-bed and use cuttings to make plantation. Against leaf-spot white or leaf-mold Bordeaux. Pests—against beetles arsenites; against cutworms poisoned baits (see under Cabbage). Tansy is Tanacetum vulgare, a hardy herbaceous perennial used in domestic medicine seasoning puddings omelettes. Tall rank-growing persistent likely to spread exhaust soil replanted elsewhere every few years. Two varieties common curled latter preferable handsome for garnishing. Soil—any good earth well drained. Distances—rows two feet apart; plants twelve to eighteen inches. Sow when ground fit thin three or four inches. Depth of seed one-half to one inch. Set root-divisions in spring take cuttings summer water till established transplant fall or spring. Culture—give ordinary care keep from spreading for best leaf growth pinch off all flower-buds pick leaves as wanted flowers used in domestic medicine reset new ground every two or three years. Tarragon is Artemisia Dracuticulus grown for its leaves tips used in seasoning making of tarragon vinegar oil. One of the best aromatic plants much used in Europe; tender needs winter protection North. Leaves and tips steeped in vinegar to make tarragon vinegar cut up for seasoning dried fall picked for use. Plants of true Tarragon may be bought from seedsmen spring early summer. Sweet-scented Marigold sometimes used satisfactorily as substitute for Tarragon. Soil—any good garden soil not wet; prefers poor soil than rich one likes sun. Distances—plants one foot apart each way. Depth as before. Set root-divisions in spring take cuttings slips in spring or summer water till established culture—give ordinary care cut off all flower stems pick leaves tips as needed when plants well established best when ready to flower for making tarragon vinegar steep leaves and tips in good vinegar fall cut down plant dry leaves mulch over winter reset plantation every few years fresh soil. <Callout type="important" title="Disease Prevention">Practice crop rotation, reject diseased plants, dig tubers carefully during dry weather, handle with care to prevent rot.</Callout> Thyme is a perennial plant grown in two varieties common and lemon; the latter creeping four inches high. Propagated by seeds root-divisions layers. Wild Thyme may be brought into gardens often grown as edging. Soil light warm rows one foot apart depth one inch of divisions or rooted layers as before sow when heavy frosts past thin six inches apart in rows transplant fall or spring set root-divisions lift layers in spring pick leaves and tender tips for use in seasoning dry and store renew every three or four years.
Key Takeaways
- Sweet potatoes require a long growing season and rich, loose soil.
- Tansy is used for medicinal purposes and in cooking.
- Tarragon is an aromatic herb used in seasoning and vinegar making.
Practical Tips
- Use cuttings from young vines to propagate sweet potato plants.
- Plant tarragon in a poor soil rather than rich soil for best results.
Warnings & Risks
- Heavy frosts can spoil sweet potatoes, so dig them before frost hits.
- Handle sweet potatoes carefully during harvest and storage to prevent rot.
Modern Application
While the cultivation methods described here are largely unchanged from a century ago, modern readers should note advancements in disease-resistant varieties and chemical-free pest control. The knowledge of growing these plants remains crucial for self-sufficiency and survival preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best soil type for sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes thrive in rich, loose soil that is deep and well-drained.
Q: How can I prevent diseases when growing sweet potatoes?
Disease Prevention
Practice crop rotation, reject diseased plants, dig tubers carefully during dry weather, handle with care to prevent rot.
Q: What are the benefits of using tarragon in cooking?
Tarragon is one of the best aromatic herbs and is used extensively for seasoning dishes and making Tarragon vinegar.