How to plant yams

In many regions of United States the terms "sweet potato" and "yam" is used interchangeably. The yam belongs to the dioscorea family and considered as tropical plant. This plant is native to the African continent. The yams and sweet potato, both grow underground. The taste of sweet potato is sweet while the yams are dry and starchy in nature. Yams are used in different regions of the world as food source. The plantation of yams requires warm weather and heavy rain fall.

Preparation of seed
To prepare seed cut the section of tubers into equal half’s with weight of approximately half pound. Twenty five percent of the previous crop can be used as seed source. Before the plantation the prepared seeds are treated for almost 2 to 3 days. Seed treatment with appropriate fungicide prevent to the decaying and fungus problem. Other then fungicides, there are many other ways to treat the yam seeds.

Process of plantation
The treated seed should be sown about four inches deep in prepared soil. The plantation distance should be 3 feet apart and the row to row distance should also about 3 feet apart. Some yam farmers are using the equipments which aid to prepare trenches of appropriate size for seed plantation. The trenches which are made with proper depth, filled with seed pieces and then covered with soil. If you are trying the yam plantation at your home garden, the shovel or hoe are best for plantation of yams. If you follow the above plantation procedure you can get maximum plant density in one acre area.

Growing process
The seedlings of yams emerge approximately two days after sowing the yams seeds. The plantation time is ideal before the moon soon or rainy season. Always keep in mind, the yams are well grown in tropical areas and the yam crop must require about 40 inches of rain fall throughout the growing season. The growing season of yams is about 5 to 6 months duration. Mulching is a common agronomic technique used to prevent evaporation and to reduce the temperature of soil. Placement of mulch material around the yam plant will prevent the evaporation and reduce high temperature of soil. Harvesting time for yam plants is ideal when the leaves of plant turn yellow.

Tips and warnings
Don’t try to plant yam other then tropical regions because it is highly susceptible for temperature fluctuation.