What To Know
- While sweet potatoes are generally considered a warm-weather crop, with a little ingenuity and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can successfully cultivate these tubers even in cold climates.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of your plants to help insulate the soil and protect the roots from frost.
- A cold frame can provide a more controlled environment for your sweet potatoes, especially during the early and late parts of the growing season.
Sweet potatoes, with their vibrant hues and sweet, starchy flesh, are a staple in many cuisines. But what if you live in a region where the growing season is short and the winters are harsh? Can you still enjoy the deliciousness of homegrown sweet potatoes? Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are generally considered a warm-weather crop, with a little ingenuity and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can successfully cultivate these tubers even in cold climates. This blog post will guide you through the process, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting your sweet potatoes in the fall.
The Challenge of Cold Climates
Sweet potatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions. They need soil temperatures around 70°F (21°C) to germinate and grow optimally. In cold climates, the growing season is shorter, and the soil temperatures may not reach these ideal levels. Additionally, frost can damage the plants, leading to poor yields or even complete crop failure.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato Variety
The first step to success is selecting the right sweet potato variety. Not all varieties are created equal when it comes to cold tolerance. Look for varieties that are known for their shorter maturity periods and higher cold tolerance. Some popular options include:
- ‘Beauregard’: This variety is known for its vibrant orange flesh and good storage quality. It matures in approximately 100 days.
- ‘Centennial’: This variety is another good option for cold climates, offering a sweet, creamy flavor and a shorter maturity period.
- ‘Covington’: This variety is known for its high yield and good cold tolerance. It matures in about 120 days.
Starting Sweet Potatoes Indoors
To give your sweet potatoes a head start in the colder months, it’s best to start them indoors. Here’s how:
1. Choose Healthy Sweet Potatoes: Select sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes.
2. Prepare the Growing Medium: Fill small pots with a well-draining potting mix.
3. Plant the Sweet Potatoes: Cut the sweet potato into 2-3 inch pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye” or growth bud. Place the cut pieces horizontally in the pots, with the eye facing upwards.
4. Water and Light: Water the pots thoroughly and place them in a warm, sunny location. Maintain a soil temperature of at least 70°F (21°C) for optimal germination.
5. Transplanting: Once the sweet potato slips (shoots) have developed a few true leaves, it’s time to transplant them outdoors.
Transplanting Your Sweet Potatoes Outdoors
When the soil temperature has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C), you can transplant your sweet potatoes outdoors. Here are some tips:
1. Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Sweet potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Spacing: Space your sweet potato plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
4. Planting Depth: Plant the slips so that the top of the root is just below the soil surface.
5. Watering: Water your sweet potato plants deeply after transplanting, and continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Protecting Your Sweet Potatoes from Cold
Even with cold-tolerant varieties and a head start indoors, your sweet potatoes may still need some protection from the cold. Here are some strategies:
1. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of your plants to help insulate the soil and protect the roots from frost.
2. Row Covers: Use row covers to create a mini-greenhouse effect and protect your plants from light frosts.
3. Cold Frames: A cold frame can provide a more controlled environment for your sweet potatoes, especially during the early and late parts of the growing season.
Caring for Your Sweet Potato Plants
Once your sweet potatoes are planted, they need regular care to thrive.
1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
2. Fertilizing: Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, especially during the growing season.
3. Weeding: Keep the area around your plants weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
4. Hilling: As your plants grow, mound soil around the base of the stems to encourage more root development.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest about 100-120 days after planting. Here are some signs that your sweet potatoes are ready:
1. Leaves Turning Yellow: The leaves of your sweet potato plants will start to turn yellow and die back as they mature.
2. Stems Wilting: The stems of your sweet potatoes may start to wilt as the plants enter their dormancy stage.
3. Testing the Soil: You can test the soil around the base of the plant to see if the sweet potatoes have grown to a good size.
Once you’re ready to harvest, gently dig up the sweet potatoes with a garden fork. Avoid damaging the tubers, and handle them carefully.
Enjoying Your Homegrown Sweet Potatoes
After harvesting, let your sweet potatoes cure for a few days in a warm, dry place. This will help them develop their sweetness and improve their storage life. You can then store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place for several months.
Sweet Potato Success in Cold Climates: A Final Thought
Growing sweet potatoes in cold climates can be a rewarding experience. By choosing the right variety, starting your plants indoors, and providing extra protection from the cold, you can enjoy the sweet, delicious taste of homegrown sweet potatoes.
What You Need to Know
1. Can I grow sweet potatoes from supermarket sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes from supermarket sweet potatoes. Just make sure they are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes.
2. Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in containers. Choose a large container with good drainage and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
3. What happens if my sweet potatoes are exposed to frost?
Frost can damage the leaves and stems of your sweet potato plants, and it can also damage the tubers. If your sweet potatoes are exposed to frost, try to protect them with row covers or a cold frame.
4. How long can I store sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. Store them in a single layer, and avoid storing them near fruits that release ethylene gas, which can cause them to spoil.
5. Can I grow sweet potatoes in a greenhouse?
Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in a greenhouse. This will allow you to control the growing conditions and extend the growing season.
