What To Know
- Have you ever tossed a sweet potato vine into the compost, only to wonder if you could have grown a whole new plant from it.
- You can purchase slips from nurseries, but you can also easily create your own from a sweet potato you have in your kitchen.
- Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, as sweet potatoes have extensive root systems.
Have you ever tossed a sweet potato vine into the compost, only to wonder if you could have grown a whole new plant from it? Well, you can! Growing sweet potatoes from kitchen scraps is a surprisingly simple and rewarding process. It’s a great way to reduce food waste, learn about plant propagation, and enjoy fresh, homegrown sweet potatoes.
The Magic of Sweet Potato Slips
Sweet potatoes don’t sprout from seeds like most plants. Instead, they grow from “slips,” which are essentially stems that develop roots and leaves. You can purchase slips from nurseries, but you can also easily create your own from a sweet potato you have in your kitchen.
Gather Your Supplies:
- A sweet potato: Choose a healthy, firm sweet potato with no signs of rot or damage.
- Water: You’ll need a container of water to start the sprouting process.
- Potting mix: This will be used to plant your sweet potato slips.
- A sunny spot: Sweet potatoes need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Patience: Growing sweet potatoes takes time, so be patient and enjoy the process.
Getting Started: The Sprouting Process
1. Prepare the sweet potato: Gently scrub the sweet potato with a brush to remove any dirt.
2. Create the sprouting environment: Find a shallow container, like a bowl or dish, and fill it with water. The water level should be just below the top of the sweet potato.
3. Start the sprouting: Place the sweet potato in the water, ensuring that the bottom half is submerged. The top half should be exposed to air.
4. Maintain the water level: Keep the water fresh by changing it every few days.
5. Watch for growth: Within a few weeks, you’ll start to see sprouts emerge from the sweet potato. These are your precious slips!
Time to Plant
1. Prepare your planting container: Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, as sweet potatoes have extensive root systems.
2. Fill with potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix.
3. Make a planting hole: Gently dig a hole in the center of the pot, about 2 inches deep.
4. Plant the slip: Carefully remove a slip from the sweet potato, making sure to keep the roots intact. Plant the slip in the hole, making sure the roots are covered with soil.
5. Water well: Water the soil around the slip thoroughly.
Nurturing Your Sweet Potato Plant
1. Sunlight: Place your pot in a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Fertilizing: Feed your sweet potato plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
4. Trellising: As your sweet potato plant grows, it may become too heavy for the pot. You can support it with a trellis or stake to prevent it from falling over.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potato Bounty
Sweet potatoes typically take 100-120 days to mature. You’ll know they’re ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. Here’s how:
1. Dig carefully: Using a garden fork, gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant.
2. Lift the sweet potato: Carefully lift the sweet potato out of the pot, being careful not to damage the tubers.
3. Store properly: Store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months if stored correctly.
Enjoy Your Sweet Potato Success!
Growing sweet potatoes from kitchen scraps is a rewarding experience. It’s a great way to connect with nature, reduce food waste, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Choose the right sweet potato: Choose a variety that is known for growing well in your climate.
- Experiment with different planting methods: Sweet potatoes can also be grown in raised beds or directly in the ground.
- Don’t be afraid to try different things: There are many different ways to grow sweet potatoes. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes from a store-bought sweet potato?
A: Yes, you can! Any healthy sweet potato will work. Just make sure to choose one that is firm and free of any signs of rot or damage.
Q: How long does it take for sweet potato slips to sprout?
A: It typically takes a few weeks for slips to sprout, but it can vary depending on the variety of sweet potato and the temperature.
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights. Just make sure they have enough light and space to grow.
Q: What happens if I don’t harvest the sweet potatoes?
A: If you don’t harvest the sweet potatoes, they will continue to grow and eventually become too large for the pot. They may also start to rot or become damaged.
Q: What are some other ways to use sweet potato slips?
A: You can use sweet potato slips to start new plants in your garden or to give as gifts to friends and family.
