What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, learning how to grow sweet potato in your backyard is easier than you might think.
- To harvest your sweet potatoes, gently dig around the base of the plant with a garden fork or shovel.
- Once you’ve unearthed the sweet potatoes, brush off any excess soil and store them in a cool, dry place for up to several months.
Sweet potatoes, with their vibrant orange flesh and sweet, earthy flavor, are a delicious and versatile addition to any home garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, learning how to grow sweet potato in your backyard is easier than you might think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your own sweet potato bounty.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Sweet Potato Variety
The first step to growing sweet potatoes is choosing the right variety. There are numerous types available, each with its unique characteristics. Here are a few popular options:
- Beauregard: Known for its deep orange flesh and excellent flavor, Beauregard is a reliable choice for beginners.
- Covington: This variety is known for its high yield and long storage life.
- Jewel: With its vibrant red skin and sweet, moist flesh, Jewel is a beautiful and delicious choice.
- Centennial: This variety is particularly resistant to diseases and produces a high yield.
Consider your climate and desired flavor profile when making your selection. You can find sweet potato slips (small plants) or seeds at local nurseries or online retailers.
Planting Time: When to Put Your Slips in the Ground
Sweet potatoes thrive in warm weather and require a long growing season. Aim to plant your slips after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). In most regions, this typically occurs between late spring and early summer.
Location, Location, Location: The Perfect Spot for Your Sweet Potato Patch
Sweet potatoes prefer a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 8-10 inches and incorporating compost or aged manure.
Planting Your Sweet Potato Slips: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once your soil is ready, it’s time to plant your sweet potato slips. Here’s how:
1. Dig a hole: Create a shallow hole, about 4-6 inches deep, for each slip.
2. Place the slip: Gently place the slip in the hole, ensuring the top 2-3 inches of the slip are above the soil line.
3. Backfill and water: Cover the roots with soil and water thoroughly.
4. Spacing: Space your slips 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Sweet Potato Care: Keeping Your Plants Happy and Healthy
Once you’ve planted your slips, it’s time to provide them with the care they need to thrive. Here are some essential practices:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the initial weeks after planting. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Sweet potatoes are moderate feeders. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, avoiding excessive nitrogen, which can promote leaf growth at the expense of tuber development.
- Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your sweet potato plants for nutrients and sunlight.
- Mounding: As your plants grow, use loose soil or compost to mound up around the base of the stems. This encourages the formation of more tubers.
- Pest control: Monitor your plants for pests like sweet potato beetles and aphids. Use organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potato Bounty: Knowing When to Dig
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest 100-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and your climate. You’ll know they’re ready when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back.
To harvest your sweet potatoes, gently dig around the base of the plant with a garden fork or shovel. Be careful not to damage the tubers. Once you’ve unearthed the sweet potatoes, brush off any excess soil and store them in a cool, dry place for up to several months.
Sweet Potato Storage: Ensuring Your Harvest Lasts
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your sweet potatoes. Store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a basement or pantry. Avoid storing them in a refrigerator as this can cause them to become soft and lose their flavor.
Time to Enjoy: Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Roasted sweet potato fries: A healthy and delicious alternative to traditional french fries.
- Sweet potato soup: A creamy and comforting soup perfect for chilly evenings.
- Sweet potato pie: A classic dessert that is both sweet and satisfying.
- Sweet potato bread: A moist and flavorful bread that is a great accompaniment to any meal.
Sweet Potato Success: A Journey of Flavor and Satisfaction
Growing sweet potatoes in your backyard is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. By following these steps, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest and savor the sweet, earthy flavor of your own homegrown sweet potatoes.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes from seed?
A: While you can technically grow sweet potatoes from seed, it’s a much more challenging and time-consuming process. It’s generally recommended to start with slips for a more reliable and faster harvest.
Q: How do I prevent sweet potato vine borers?
A: Sweet potato vine borers can be a significant pest. To control them, monitor your plants for signs of damage and use organic methods like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or handpicking the larvae.
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in containers. Choose a large container with good drainage and follow the same planting and care instructions as for in-ground planting.
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 die back. You can also test the tubers by gently digging one up and checking its size and firmness.
Q: What can I do with the sweet potato vines after harvesting?
A: Sweet potato vines are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
