What To Know
- This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to grow sweet potatoes in containers, from choosing the right container to harvesting your sweet potato bounty.
- The first step in growing sweet potatoes in containers is selecting the right container and soil.
- Use a garden fork or trowel to carefully dig up the sweet potatoes, being careful not to damage the tubers.
Growing your own sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience, offering a delicious harvest of nutritious tubers. While sweet potatoes are traditionally grown in the ground, you can achieve fantastic results with container gardening. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to grow sweet potatoes in containers, from choosing the right container to harvesting your sweet potato bounty.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Container and Soil
The first step in growing sweet potatoes in containers is selecting the right container and soil.
Container Selection:
- Size: Sweet potatoes have extensive root systems, so choose a container that’s at least 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Larger containers are even better, allowing for greater root development and larger yields.
- Material: Plastic containers are a good choice because they retain moisture well. However, terracotta pots can also be used, but they require more frequent watering.
- Drainage: Ensure your container has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Soil Selection:
- Well-Drained: Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained soil that doesn’t become waterlogged.
- Rich in Organic Matter: Use a potting mix that’s rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to provide essential nutrients.
- pH Level: Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Planting Sweet Potatoes: Tips for Success
Once you have your container and soil ready, it’s time to plant your sweet potatoes.
Using Sweet Potato Slips:
- Slips: Sweet potato slips are the ideal starting material for container gardening. They are essentially shoots that grow from the sweet potato tuber.
- Purchase or Propagate: You can purchase slips from nurseries or online retailers, or you can propagate your own from sweet potatoes.
- Planting Depth: Plant the slips 2-3 inches deep, leaving the top 1-2 inches of the slip exposed.
- Spacing: Space the slips 12-18 inches apart.
Direct Sowing (Less Common):
- Seeds: While less common, you can directly sow sweet potato seeds in containers.
- Germination: Sweet potato seeds require warm temperatures (70-80°F) for germination.
- Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and space them 6 inches apart.
Providing the Right Environment: Sun, Water, and Fertilizer
Sweet potatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions. Here’s how to provide the ideal environment for your container-grown sweet potatoes:
Sunlight:
- Full Sun: Sweet potatoes require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Placement: Choose a sunny spot in your garden or on your patio for your containers.
Watering:
- Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Watering Frequency: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Drainage: Ensure that excess water drains away freely.
Fertilizing:
- Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Organic Options: Organic fertilizers like compost tea or fish emulsion can also be beneficial.
Maintaining Your Sweet Potato Plants: Pruning and Pest Control
Proper maintenance is crucial for healthy sweet potato plants.
Pruning:
- Pinch Back: Pinch off the growing tips of the vines to encourage bushier growth and increase tuber production.
- Remove Excess Vines: If the vines become too crowded, prune them back to maintain airflow and prevent disease.
Pest Control:
- Common Pests: Sweet potatoes can be susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Organic Solutions: Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage pests.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potato Bounty: Timing and Techniques
Harvesting your sweet potatoes is the culmination of your hard work.
Harvest Time:
- Fall: Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest in the fall, about 4-5 months after planting.
- Signs of Maturity: The leaves will start to turn yellow and brown, and the vines will begin to die back.
Harvesting Techniques:
- Dig Carefully: Use a garden fork or trowel to carefully dig up the sweet potatoes, being careful not to damage the tubers.
- Remove Excess Soil: Gently brush off any excess soil from the sweet potatoes.
Enjoying Your Sweet Potato Harvest: Storage and Culinary Uses
Once you’ve harvested your sweet potatoes, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Storing Sweet Potatoes:
- Cool, Dry Place: Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place (55-60°F) with good ventilation.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate sweet potatoes as this can cause them to become soft and mushy.
Culinary Uses:
- Versatile Ingredient: Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes.
- Sweet and Savory: Enjoy them roasted, mashed, fried, baked, or in soups, stews, and pies.
Sweet Potato Success: A Rewarding Container Gardening Experience
Growing sweet potatoes in containers is a rewarding and achievable gardening project. By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious harvest of sweet potatoes right in your own backyard. Remember, patience and proper care are key to success. With a little effort, you can savor the sweet taste of your own homegrown sweet potatoes.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Can I grow sweet potatoes from grocery store potatoes?
Yes, you can! Choose firm, healthy potatoes with no signs of rot or sprouting. Cut the potatoes into sections, each with at least one “eye” (bud). Let the cut sections dry for a day or two before planting.
2. How often should I water my sweet potatoes?
Water your sweet potatoes deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency will vary depending on the weather and the size of your container.
3. What are some signs of pest problems?
Look for signs of chewing on leaves, sticky residue, or small insects crawling on the plants. You may also see webbing or discolored spots.
4. Can I grow sweet potatoes in a hanging basket?
While theoretically possible, it’s not recommended. Sweet potatoes need a lot of space for their roots to spread, and a hanging basket may not provide enough support.
5. When should I stop fertilizing my sweet potatoes?
Stop fertilizing your sweet potatoes about 6 weeks before you plan to harvest them. This will help to prevent the tubers from becoming too large and woody.
