What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow sweet potato or yams can be a rewarding experience.
- Sweet potatoes belong to the *Ipomoea batatas* species and have a starchy, sweet flesh that can range in color from white to orange to purple.
- A high-yielding variety with a deep orange flesh and a rich, sweet flavor.
Sweet potatoes and yams are delicious and versatile root vegetables that add a touch of sweetness and nutrition to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow sweet potato or yams can be a rewarding experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your bountiful crop.
Understanding the Difference: Sweet Potato vs. Yam
While often used interchangeably, sweet potatoes and yams are distinct vegetables. Sweet potatoes belong to the *Ipomoea batatas* species and have a starchy, sweet flesh that can range in color from white to orange to purple. **Yams**, on the other hand, are members of the *Dioscorea* genus and have a fibrous, starchy flesh that is typically white or cream-colored.
For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on sweet potatoes, as they are the most common variety grown in home gardens.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato Variety
With a wide array of sweet potato varieties available, choosing the right one for your garden is crucial. Consider these factors:
- Maturity: Some varieties mature quickly, while others require a longer growing season.
- Flavor: Sweet potatoes come in various flavors, from mild and sweet to more intense and earthy.
- Color: The flesh of sweet potatoes can be white, yellow, orange, or purple.
- Size: Some varieties produce large potatoes, while others are smaller.
Popular sweet potato varieties for home gardens include:
- Beauregard: A classic orange-fleshed variety with a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.
- Covington: A high-yielding variety with a deep orange flesh and a rich, sweet flavor.
- Jewel: A striking variety with a deep purple flesh and a sweet, earthy flavor.
- Purple Yam: A vibrant purple variety with a mild, sweet flavor.
Planting Sweet Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sweet potatoes can be grown from slips or from whole potatoes. Slips are small, rooted stems that are easier to plant and produce a faster harvest.
Planting from Slips:
1. Prepare the soil: Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
2. Create mounds: Build mounds of soil about 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide, spacing them 18-24 inches apart.
3. Plant the slips: Place 3-4 slips in each mound, burying the roots and leaving the foliage exposed.
4. Water well: Water the slips thoroughly after planting.
Planting from Whole Potatoes:
1. Choose healthy potatoes: Select potatoes with no signs of rot or disease.
2. Cut the potatoes: Cut the potatoes into 2-3 inch pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one eye (growing point).
3. Plant the pieces: Place the cut pieces in a prepared bed, 12-18 inches apart, with the eyes facing up.
4. Cover with soil: Cover the pieces with 2-3 inches of soil.
5. Water thoroughly: Water the potatoes well after planting.
Caring for Your Sweet Potato Vines
Once your sweet potato plants are established, they require regular care to thrive.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Feed your sweet potato vines with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. You can also use compost or manure as a natural fertilizer.
- Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from competing with your sweet potatoes for nutrients and water.
- Trellising: If your vines are growing vigorously, you can use a trellis to support them. This will help prevent the vines from sprawling on the ground and becoming damaged.
- Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases, such as sweet potato weevils, aphids, and whiteflies. Use organic pest control methods whenever possible.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potato Crop
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest 100-120 days after planting. Look for signs that the vines are starting to die back and the leaves are turning yellow.
- Digging: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the sweet potatoes. Be careful not to damage the potatoes.
- Cleaning: Brush off any excess soil from the potatoes.
- Storing: Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can last for several months if stored properly.
Enjoying Your Homegrown Sweet Potatoes
Now that you have a bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes, it’s time to enjoy them! Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in countless ways.
- Baked: Simply bake sweet potatoes in the oven until tender.
- Mashed: Mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter and milk for a delicious side dish.
- Roasted: Roast sweet potatoes with herbs and spices for a flavorful and healthy snack.
- Fried: Fry sweet potato slices for a crispy and satisfying treat.
- Soups and Stews: Add diced sweet potatoes to soups and stews for a touch of sweetness and texture.
Sweet Potato Success: A Final Word
Growing sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience that offers a delicious and nutritious harvest. By following these steps and taking the time to learn about the specific needs of your chosen variety, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of sweet potatoes for months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a large container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the slips or potatoes as you would in a garden bed.
2. How do I prevent sweet potato weevils?
Sweet potato weevils can be a major pest. To prevent them, rotate crops and avoid planting sweet potatoes in the same spot year after year. You can also use row covers or organic pest control methods.
3. How long can I store sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes can be stored for several months if stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid storing them near other fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, which can cause them to spoil more quickly.
4. Can I grow sweet potatoes from store-bought potatoes?
Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes from store-bought potatoes, but it’s not always reliable. Choose potatoes with healthy eyes and follow the steps for planting from whole potatoes.
5. What are the best companion plants for sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are often planted with companion plants that deter pests or improve soil fertility. Some good companion plants include marigolds, basil, and garlic.
