Growing Sweet Potato In Your Garden
Updated on
July 4, 2024
Growing Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, starchy root vegetable that is eaten in countless cuisines around the world. They are available in many different varieties, including white, purple, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are often boiled, steamed, baked, or fried, and can be added to many different dishes for nutritional value, flavor, and texture.
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Cheatsheet: Growing Sweet Potato in Your Garden
Varieties
- Choose from over 4000 varieties 🌱
- Popular ones include Beauregard, Georgia Jet, and Covington
Soil & Sun
- Loose, well-drained soil 🌱
- 6-8 hours of direct sunlight ☀️
Planting
- Start slips indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost ❄️
- Plant slips or sprouts in hills 12-18 inches apart 🌿
Care & Maintenance
- Regular watering, especially during dry spells 💧
- Apply aged compost or organic fertilizer every few weeks 🌿
- Keep weeds under control to avoid competition
Harvesting
- Wait until vine yellows & dies back 🍃
- Gently dig up sweet potatoes with a garden fork or shovel 🛠️
- Average yield: 2-5 lbs per plant, sometimes up to 20 lbs! 🌱
Storage & Usage
- Cure sweet potatoes at 80-85°F with high humidity for 10-14 days before storing 🌡️
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place 🏡
- Enjoy as a nutritious and versatile ingredient in soups, pies, fries, and more!
Health Benefits
- Packed with essential vitamins A, C, and B6 🥕🍠
- Rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants 🌿✨
- Boosts immunity and aids in digestion 🌱🩺
Growing Sweet Potato: A Perfect Addition to Your Garden
Let’s dive into the rewarding process of growing sweet potato. Trust me, it's easier than you think once you get the hang of it.
Choosing the Right Variety
Start with selecting the appropriate variety for your region. I’ve found Beauregard and Centennial to be highly productive.
A local nursery can be a treasure trove of recommendations. Consult them if you’re unsure.
The Beauregard variety is renowned for its high yield and disease resistance.
Prepping the Soil
Sweet potatoes adore well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Incorporate organic matter if your soil isn't ideal.
In past seasons, I’ve mixed in compost to loosen up my clay-heavy soil. It made all the difference.
Good drainage prevents the tubers from rotting. A raised bed can be a game-changer.
Planting Time
Slips, Not Seeds
Sweet potatoes grow from slips, which are sprouts from mature sweet potatoes. You can buy them or grow your own.
Growing your slips is as simple as placing a sweet potato in water and letting it sprout. Cut the sprouts off and root them in water or soil.
When to Plant
Plant your slips after the last frost date, when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F. They thrive in warm conditions.
I’ve waited until my soil hit at least 70°F for optimal growth. Patience is key here.
Caring for Your Plants
Sweet potatoes need about 1 inch of water per week. Don’t overwater them, as they prefer a bit of dryness.
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Weed regularly
A side dressing of compost or fertilizer mid-season can provide a helpful nutrient boost.
Consistent, deep watering promotes healthier tubers. Aim for an even moisture level.
Harvesting and Storing
Harvest sweet potatoes in late summer to early fall, when the leaves begin to yellow. Use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers from the soil.
I’ve found they’re easier to dig up after a light rain. Let them cure in a warm, humid spot for about 10 days to concentrate the sweetness.
Proper Storage
Store your cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months in proper conditions.
Keep an eye on humidity levels to prevent rot. I’ve lost a few tubers to improper storage before learning this.
Proper curing maximizes flavor and shelf life, making your hard work worthwhile.
Enjoy the Fruits (or Tubers) of Your Labor
There’s nothing quite like digging into a homegrown sweet potato. Their versatility in the kitchen is unmatched.
By following these steps, you’ll find sweet potato growing to be a fun and productive endeavor. Happy gardening!
Growing Sweet Potato FAQ
1. When should I plant sweet potatoes?
Plant sweet potatoes in warm weather, typically around spring or early summer.
2. How do I prepare the soil for growing sweet potatoes?
Loosen the soil, incorporate organic matter, and ensure good drainage for optimal sweet potato growth.
3. Do sweet potatoes need a lot of sunlight?
Yes, sweet potatoes thrive in full sun. Provide them with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
4. How often should I water my sweet potato plants?
Water sweet potatoes frequently, aiming for consistently moist soil without overwatering.
5. Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers or pots?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be successfully grown in large containers or pots with proper drainage.
6. Are sweet potatoes vulnerable to any pests or diseases?
Yes, be vigilant against pest infestations and diseases, including sweet potato weevils and fusarium wilt. Follow appropriate prevention and treatment methods.
7. When and how should I harvest sweet potatoes?
Harvest sweet potatoes once the foliage begins to die back. Carefully dig them out, handling the delicate tubers with care.
8. How should I store harvested sweet potatoes?
Cure sweet potatoes by placing them in a warm and humid location for 10-14 days, then store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Sweet Potatoes should be grown because they are easy to grow, are highly nutritious, and relatively drought tolerant. They are packed with vitamins such as B6 and C and are a great source of dietary fiber, minerals and antioxidants. Sweet Potatoes are an excellent choice for gardeners or farmers looking for a quick, low maintenance crop that yields a generous harvest.
