What To Know
- Fill a shallow container, such as a seed tray or a plastic container with drainage holes, with a well-draining potting mix.
- Place the container in a warm location, such as a sunny windowsill or a greenhouse.
- Place the slip in the hole, making sure the base of the slip is level with the soil surface.
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in countless ways. But did you know that you can easily grow your own sweet potatoes from the ones you buy at the grocery store? It’s a surprisingly simple and rewarding process, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly these little slips can transform into bountiful vines. This blog post will guide you through the steps of growing sweet potatoes from grocery store purchases, so you can enjoy fresh, homegrown sweet potatoes in no time.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
The first step to growing sweet potatoes from grocery store purchases is selecting the right ones. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. Avoid any that are soft, wrinkled, or have signs of decay. The best sweet potatoes for propagation are those with “eyes” or “slips,” which are small, sprout-like growths that emerge from the potato’s surface. These eyes are the key to growing new plants.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes for Planting
Once you have your sweet potatoes, you need to prepare them for planting. This involves a process called “slip propagation.” Here’s how:
1. Choose a sunny spot: Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Sweet potatoes thrive in warmth and sunshine.
2. Fill a container: Fill a shallow container, such as a seed tray or a plastic container with drainage holes, with a well-draining potting mix. You can also use a mixture of compost and peat moss.
3. Plant the sweet potato: Place the sweet potato horizontally in the container, with the eyes facing upwards. You can also cut the sweet potato into sections, ensuring each section has at least one eye. The sweet potato should be partially buried in the soil, with the eyes exposed.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the potting mix until it is moist but not soggy. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the process.
5. Place in a warm location: Place the container in a warm location, such as a sunny windowsill or a greenhouse. The ideal temperature for slip development is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Waiting for the Slips
Now comes the waiting game. It typically takes 2-3 weeks for sweet potato slips to develop from the eyes. During this time, keep the soil moist and maintain a warm environment. You’ll start to see small, green shoots emerging from the eyes. These are the slips.
Transplanting the Slips
Once the slips are about 4-6 inches tall, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the garden bed: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Sweet potatoes prefer sandy loam soil, but they can adapt to other soil types. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
2. Transplant the slip: Carefully remove the slip from the container, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Place the slip in the hole, making sure the base of the slip is level with the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the slip.
3. Water thoroughly: Water the newly transplanted slip deeply. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Your Sweet Potato Plants
Once you’ve transplanted your sweet potatoes, they need regular care to thrive. Here are some key tips:
- Watering: Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture but are susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders, so they benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, following the instructions on the product label.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your sweet potato plants free of weeds, which compete for nutrients and water.
- Hilling: As the plants grow, you can “hill” them by adding more soil around the base of the plant. This encourages the development of roots and helps to prevent the plants from becoming too leggy.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest about 100-120 days after planting. The best time to harvest is in the fall, after the leaves have started to turn yellow and die back. Here’s how to harvest your sweet potatoes:
1. Dig carefully: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig around the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the potatoes.
2. Lift the plant: Gently lift the plant out of the ground, taking care not to break off any potatoes.
3. Store properly: After harvesting, brush off any excess dirt and store the sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place. They can be stored for several months if kept in a cool, dark location.
Enjoy Your Homegrown Sweet Potatoes
Congratulations! You have successfully grown your own sweet potatoes from grocery store purchases. Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, knowing that you’ve grown these delicious and nutritious vegetables from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my sweet potato doesn‘t sprout any slips?
A: If your sweet potato doesn’t sprout any slips after a few weeks, there are a few things you can try. Make sure the sweet potato is in a warm, sunny location. You can also try placing the sweet potato in a bag with a damp paper towel to help increase humidity. If the sweet potato still doesn’t sprout, you may need to try a different sweet potato.
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Q: How do I know when my sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
A: Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest about 100-120 days after planting. You’ll know they are ready when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. You can also test the potatoes by gently digging around the base of the plant. If the potatoes feel firm and are about the size of a golf ball, they are ready for harvest.
Q: Can I save the seeds from my sweet potatoes to plant next year?
A: Sweet potatoes are not grown from seeds. They are grown from slips, which are small, sprout-like growths that emerge from the potato’s surface. You can save the slips from your sweet potato plants to plant next year.
Q: What are some pests and diseases that can affect sweet potatoes?
A: Sweet potatoes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including sweet potato weevils, whiteflies, and leaf spot disease. If you notice any signs of pests or disease, take steps to control them as soon as possible. You can use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
