Yams are tropical plants yielding tubers or roots used as food.
In many parts of the United States, the terms "yam" and "sweet potato" are used interchangeably. Yams are tropical plants and members of the Dioscorea family native to Africa, while the sweet potato is a member of the Convolvulaceae family. Both form underground components that are consumed, with the sweet potato producing a root with a sweet taste and the yam producing a tuber that is starchy and dry. The yam is used as a food source in the parts of the world where the plant can be grown. Growing yams requires a warm climate and high levels of rainfall.
Soil Preparation
The soil is commonly worked prior to planting the yams. For farm fields, a plow is commonly used, while a tiller or garden fork is more practical for a garden. Deep plowing increases the yield, as it provides loose soil to a greater depth, allowing the tubers easier growth.
Seed Preparation
Cut portions of a tuber from a previous crop into half-pound sections. About 25 percent of the previous crop is used as seed for the next season's crop, according to the University of Hawaii. Allow the seeds to cure for two to three days before planting. This allows the cut edges to dry and become less susceptible to decay or fungus. Another option is to treat the seed piece with a fungicide.
Planting Process
Plant the yam seed piece about 4 inches deep. Space plants about 3 feet apart in rows also about 3 feet apart. Yam farmers use equipment that opens a trench to the proper depth, inserts the seed piece and covers the plant in one step. Gardeners will likely use a hoe or shovel to plant the seed piece. This planting method yields about 4,000 yam plants per acre.
Growing Process
The yam plant emerges about two weeks after planting. Ideal planting time is just prior to the rainy season, remember this is a tropical plant, so the plant will receive about 40 inches of rain through the six-month growing season. Place mulch around the yam plants to reduce soil temperature and ground-water evaporation. Harvest when the leaves begin to yellow.
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