What To Know
- Have you ever wondered if those sweet potatoes in your pantry could be transformed into a thriving vine in your garden.
- Place a slip in the trench, burying the lower stem up to the first set of leaves.
- After harvesting, allow the sweet potatoes to cure for 10-14 days in a warm, dry place with good ventilation.
Have you ever wondered if those sweet potatoes in your pantry could be transformed into a thriving vine in your garden? It’s possible! Growing sweet potatoes from store-bought spuds is a fun and rewarding project, even for beginner gardeners. This guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right sweet potatoes to harvesting your own delicious bounty.
1. Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
Not all sweet potatoes are created equal when it comes to propagation. Here’s what to look for:
- Organic: Organic sweet potatoes are less likely to be treated with chemicals that could hinder sprouting.
- No Signs of Rot: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes without any soft spots or mold.
- Healthy “Eyes”: Look for sweet potatoes with prominent “eyes,” which are the tiny buds where new growth will emerge.
2. Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes for Planting
Before you plant your sweet potatoes, you need to give them a head start:
- The “Sprouting” Method:
- Select a sweet potato with several healthy eyes.
- Place the sweet potato on a plate or tray with the eyes facing upwards.
- Mist the sweet potato with water daily, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Within a few weeks, you should see green shoots emerging from the eyes.
- The “Water Method”:
- Fill a shallow dish or bowl with water.
- Place the sweet potato in the water, ensuring that only the bottom portion is submerged.
- Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria growth.
- Within a week or two, you should see roots and shoots developing.
3. Selecting the Right Planting Time and Location
Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates and need plenty of sunlight.
- Planting Time: Wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F (21°C) before planting your sweet potato slips (the shoots that emerge from the sweet potato). This is typically around late spring or early summer.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Sweet potatoes dislike wet feet, so avoid areas that tend to get waterlogged.
4. Planting Your Sweet Potato Slips
Once your sweet potato slips have grown a few inches tall, it’s time to plant them:
- Prepare the Soil: Dig a trench about 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
- Plant the Slips: Place a slip in the trench, burying the lower stem up to the first set of leaves. Space the slips 12-18 inches apart.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the newly planted slips deeply to help them establish their roots.
5. Caring for Your Sweet Potato Vines
Sweet potatoes are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do need some TLC to thrive:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Sweet potatoes benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of tuber development.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your sweet potato vines free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water.
- Mounding: As the vines grow, mound soil around the base of the plants to encourage more root growth and tuber development.
6. Harvesting Your Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest in 4-5 months after planting. You’ll know they’re ready when the leaves start to turn yellow and the vines begin to die back.
- Harvesting: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the sweet potatoes. Avoid damaging the tubers, as this can lead to rot.
7. Storing and Enjoying Your Harvest
Once you’ve harvested your sweet potatoes, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh:
- Curing: After harvesting, allow the sweet potatoes to cure for 10-14 days in a warm, dry place with good ventilation. This helps to develop their flavor and extend their shelf life.
- Storing: Store cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. They can last for several months if stored properly.
Sweet Potato Success: A Few Final Tips
- Choose a Variety: Experiment with different sweet potato varieties to find your favorites. Some popular options include “Beauregard,” “Jewel,” and “Purple Yam.”
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like sweet potato weevils and whiteflies. If you notice any infestations, take steps to control them.
- Embrace the Experiment: Growing sweet potatoes from the store is a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods and techniques to find what works best for you.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes from the grocery store in a pot?
A: Yes, you can! Choose a large pot with good drainage and fill it with a good quality potting mix. Plant your sweet potato slip in the pot and care for it as you would in the garden.
Q: What if my sweet potato slip doesn‘t grow roots?
A: Don’t worry! Sometimes, sweet potato slips can be stubborn. Try rooting them in a glass of water for a few weeks before planting them in soil.
Q: How do I know if my sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
A: You’ll know your sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and the vines begin to die back. You can also test the maturity of a few tubers by gently digging them up and inspecting them.
Q: Can I save seeds from my sweet potatoes to plant next year?
A: Sweet potatoes are propagated by slips, not seeds. You can save the slips from your plants to use for next year’s planting.
Q: What are some delicious ways to use my homegrown sweet potatoes?
A: The possibilities are endless! You can enjoy them baked, mashed, roasted, fried, or even in sweet potato pie.
