How Do You Plant Sweet Potatoes?

Growing Sweet Potatoes: A Gardener’s Guide

Choosing the Right Sweet Potato Variety

There are many types of sweet potatoes; some are better for baking, while others excel in soups. I’ve found that Beauregard and Jewel are rock stars for home gardens. Their vibrant orange flesh and high yield make them favorites.

I once tried a Japanese variety, with purple skin and white flesh. It was delicious, but not as prolific. Always choose a variety suited to your climate and taste preferences.

Starting with Slips

Sweet potatoes aren’t grown from seed—they’re started from “slips.” Slips are sprouts from a mature sweet potato.

Begin by placing a sweet potato in water with the bottom half submerged. In about two weeks, you’ll see sprouts.

Creating Slips

1. Submerge half of the sweet potato in water, supported by toothpicks.
2. Wait for sprouts to reach 6 inches, then gently twist them off.
3. Place these sprouts in water until roots develop; this takes just a few days.

Preparing Your Soil

Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. They’re not fans of heavy clay.

Mix in compost to improve soil structure and add nutrients. In my experience, raised beds offer the optimal environment.

Soil Preparation Steps

• Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Sweet potatoes need space to grow.
• Add a generous amount of compost. They’re heavy feeders and appreciate the extra nutrients.
• Ensure the soil is slightly acidic. Test kits are available at most garden centers.

Planting Your Slips

Plant slips in late spring, after the last frost. These are warm-weather plants.

Space the slips 12 inches apart in rows about 3 feet apart, allowing room for vines to sprawl.

Planting Steps

1. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the roots and about half of the slip's stem.
2. Place the slip into the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly.
3. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering and Care

Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture, especially in the first month. Watering deeply encourages strong root development.

Once established, these plants are fairly drought-tolerant. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to rot.

“Sweet potatoes need about an inch of water per week. Be careful not to overwater, especially as harvest time approaches.”

Care Tips

• Remove weeds regularly; they compete for nutrients.
• Consider using a trellis for the vines to keep them off the soil.
• Fertilize wisely. Excess nitrogen can lead to lush vines but fewer tubers.

Harvesting and Storage

Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest 90-120 days after planting. The leaves will start to yellow, which is a good indicator.

Use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers from the soil, taking care not to bruise them. They are delicate at harvest.

Storage Tips

1. Cure sweet potatoes by keeping them in a warm, humid environment (85°F, 90% humidity) for about 10 days.
2. After curing, store in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months if stored properly.

Growing sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience, bringing a bit of summer sunshine to your plate. Happy planting!

Planting sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience that can bring much joy to your garden. Aside from the fun of starting your own sweet potato patch, you can reap the benefits of growing a healthy and delicious vegetable to harvest and enjoy. with the right tools and preparing the area carefully, your sweet potato plants are sure to bring a delightful harvest.