A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes

Understanding the Basics of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, also known as Ipomoea batatas, are a warm-season crop that are commonly grown for their edible roots. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are not members of the Solanaceae family, but rather the Convolvulaceae family, which includes morning glory.

Sweet potatoes come in different varieties with varying skin and flesh colors, ranging from orange to white to purple. They are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are known for their antioxidant properties.

When it comes to growing sweet potatoes, it’s important to note that they require a long growing season and warm soil temperatures, ideally between 75°F to 85°F. They also need full sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Understanding these basics will help you set up the best conditions for a successful sweet potato harvest.

Choosing the Right Variety for Your Region

When it comes to growing sweet potatoes, it’s important to choose a variety that is well-suited for your region. Some sweet potato varieties require longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures, while others can handle cooler climates.

If you live in a cooler climate, look for sweet potato varieties that mature in a shorter time frame, such as Beauregard, Centennial, or Georgia Jet. These varieties have a shorter growing period and are more tolerant of cooler temperatures.

For those living in warmer climates, there are many sweet potato varieties to choose from, including the popular Covington, Orleans, and Jewel varieties. These varieties require a longer growing season and warmer soil temperatures, but are more resistant to diseases and pests that can plague sweet potatoes.

It’s important to do some research and choose a variety that is well-suited for your specific region and growing conditions. This will help ensure a successful sweet potato harvest.

Preparing the Soil for Sweet Potato Planting

Preparing the soil is a crucial step in growing sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It’s important to start preparing the soil several weeks before planting, to allow time for any amendments to fully integrate into the soil.

Begin by testing the soil pH to ensure it falls within the ideal range of 5.8 to 6.2. If the soil pH is too low, add lime to raise it. If the pH is too high, add sulfur to lower it.

Next, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its organic matter content. Sweet potatoes also require a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 8-24-24. Apply the fertilizer to the soil a few weeks before planting, and work it into the soil.

It’s also important to ensure that the soil is well-draining, as sweet potatoes do not tolerate waterlogged soil. If your soil is heavy, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage.

By properly preparing the soil, you’ll be setting the stage for a successful sweet potato harvest.

Planting and Caring for Sweet Potatoes

Planting sweet potatoes is relatively easy, but it’s important to follow a few guidelines to ensure success. Start by planting slips, which are small rooted shoots that grow from mature sweet potatoes. You can either purchase slips from a nursery or create your own by placing a sweet potato in water until slips develop.

When planting slips, make sure to space them about 12 to 18 inches apart, with rows spaced 3 to 4 feet apart. Plant the slips about 4 inches deep, with the top of the slip just above the soil surface.

Once planted, sweet potatoes require consistent watering to ensure proper growth. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Be careful not to overwater, as sweet potatoes do not tolerate waterlogged soil.

It’s also important to weed around the sweet potato plants to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Use a shallow cultivator to carefully remove any weeds, taking care not to disturb the sweet potato roots.

Sweet potatoes also benefit from a mid-season application of fertilizer, typically around 6 to 8 weeks after planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 8-24-24.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you’ll be on your way to a bountiful sweet potato harvest.

Harvesting and Storing Your Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest between 90 to 120 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. When the leaves of the sweet potato plant begin to yellow and die back, it’s a good indication that the sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested.

To harvest sweet potatoes, carefully dig them up using a digging fork or spade. Be careful not to damage the sweet potato roots or skin. After harvesting, allow the sweet potatoes to cure for a week or two in a warm, dry place with good ventilation. This will help them develop a sweeter flavor and improve their storage life.

Once cured, store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, such as a pantry or cellar. Avoid storing sweet potatoes in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to develop a hard core and an off-flavor. Stored properly, sweet potatoes can last for several months.

By properly harvesting and storing your sweet potatoes, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come.