What To Know
- Have you ever stared at a perfect sweet potato in the grocery store and thought, “I could grow that.
- Alternatively, you can bury the sweet potato horizontally in a pot filled with moist potting mix, leaving the eyes exposed.
- So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a few sweet potatoes and give this project a try.
Have you ever stared at a perfect sweet potato in the grocery store and thought, “I could grow that!”? Well, you can! Growing sweet potatoes from store-bought spuds is a surprisingly simple and rewarding gardening project. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown sweet potatoes and even impress your friends with your green thumb.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato
The key to success lies in selecting the right sweet potato. You need a healthy, firm sweet potato with no signs of rot or damage. Look for a sweet potato with several “eyes” or buds, which are the starting points for new growth.
Preparing the Sweet Potato for Planting
1. Select the Right Time: Sweet potatoes are warm-weather crops, so it’s best to start them indoors in early spring or purchase starter plants from a nursery.
2. The “Water Method“: This is the most popular method for sprouting sweet potatoes. Simply fill a shallow dish with water and place the sweet potato on top, ensuring that the eyes are facing upwards. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria growth.
3. The “Soil Method”: Alternatively, you can bury the sweet potato horizontally in a pot filled with moist potting mix, leaving the eyes exposed. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Nurturing the Sprouts
Within a few weeks, you should see sprouts emerge from the eyes. Once the sprouts are a few inches long, you can start the transplanting process.
Transplanting the Sweet Potato Sprouts
1. Prepare the Soil: Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility.
2. Choose a Sunny Spot: Sweet potatoes need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
3. Transplant Carefully: Gently remove the sprouts from their growing medium and plant them in the ground, burying the roots and leaving the sprouts exposed. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart.
Caring for Your Sweet Potato Plants
1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
2. Fertilizing: Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders. Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, especially during the growing season.
3. Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
4. Hilling: As the plants grow, gradually mound soil around the base of the stems to encourage root development.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest 100-120 days after planting. You’ll know they’re ready when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back.
1. Dig Carefully: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the sweet potatoes, being careful not to damage the tubers.
2. Cure the Sweet Potatoes: After harvesting, allow the sweet potatoes to cure in a warm, dry place for 10-14 days. This will help to improve their flavor and storage life.
Sweet Success: Enjoying Your Homegrown Bounty
Congratulations! You’ve successfully grown your own sweet potatoes from store-bought spuds. Now you can enjoy the sweet rewards of your labor by incorporating them into your favorite recipes.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Variety Matters: While any sweet potato can be used for sprouting, some varieties are known for their high yields and disease resistance.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like sweet potato weevils, aphids, and whiteflies. Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Disease Prevention: Sweet potatoes can be susceptible to diseases like sweet potato vine wilt and root rot. Choose disease-resistant varieties and practice good sanitation to prevent these issues.
The Sweet Potato Journey: From Humble Spud to Flavorful Harvest
Growing sweet potatoes from store-bought spuds is a satisfying journey that brings you closer to the food you eat. It’s a simple, affordable, and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homegrown sweet potatoes. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a few sweet potatoes and give this project a try!
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use any type of sweet potato?
A: While most sweet potatoes will sprout, some varieties are more suitable for growing than others. Look for varieties like Beauregard, Covington, or Centennial.
Q: What if my sweet potato sprouts don‘t grow?
A: There are a few reasons why your sweet potato sprouts might not grow. Make sure you’re using a healthy sweet potato with several eyes. Also, ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
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.
Q: How long can I store the sweet potatoes after harvesting?
A: Properly cured sweet potatoes can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
Q: What are some creative ways to use homegrown sweet potatoes?
A: The possibilities are endless! Use them in soups, stews, casseroles, desserts, or even sweet potato fries. Get creative and experiment with different recipes!
