What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the process of turning those sprouted sweet potatoes into a thriving vine, resulting in a bountiful harvest of sweet, starchy tubers.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to sit in the water for about 2-3 weeks, or until the sprouts have grown to about 4-6 inches in length.
- Once your sweet potato slips have grown to a manageable size, it’s time to plant them in the ground.
Are you looking to add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your garden? Have you found some sweet potatoes that have sprouted, and you’re wondering if it’s too late to plant them? Don’t toss those sprouted sweet potatoes! They’re actually a fantastic starting point for growing your own delicious, homegrown sweet potatoes. This guide will walk you through the process of turning those sprouted sweet potatoes into a thriving vine, resulting in a bountiful harvest of sweet, starchy tubers.
1. Understanding the Power of Sprouting
Sweet potatoes, unlike many other root vegetables, are actually propagated through their sprouts, known as “slips.” These slips are essentially baby plants that emerge from the potato itself, and they’re the key to starting your sweet potato garden. When you see those green shoots poking out, it’s a sign that your sweet potatoes are ready to be planted.
2. Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes for Planting
Before you can plant your sprouted sweet potatoes, you need to give them a little TLC to ensure they develop into strong, healthy slips.
Here’s how:
- Choose the Right Sweet Potato: Select firm, healthy sweet potatoes with at least one or two strong sprouts. Avoid potatoes that are soft, mushy, or have signs of rot.
- Get Them Wet: Place your chosen sweet potatoes in a shallow container or tray filled with a few inches of water. The water level should be high enough to cover the base of the sweet potato but not submerge the sprouts.
- Find the Light: Place the container in a warm, sunny location. Direct sunlight is ideal, but indirect light will also work.
- Patience is Key: Allow the sweet potatoes to sit in the water for about 2-3 weeks, or until the sprouts have grown to about 4-6 inches in length. Change the water every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
3. Creating the Perfect Growing Environment
Sweet potatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil. Here’s how to set the stage for your sweet potato garden:
- Sunlight: Sweet potatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a location in your garden that receives plenty of sun.
- Soil: Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil is ideal.
- Temperature: Sweet potatoes grow best in warm temperatures, ideally between 70-90°F. They can tolerate some cooler temperatures, but they will grow more slowly.
4. Planting Your Sweet Potato Slips
Once your sweet potato slips have grown to a manageable size, it’s time to plant them in the ground.
Here’s how:
- Prepare the Soil: Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, and incorporate some compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Dig a Hole: Dig a hole that’s about 4-6 inches deep and 6-8 inches wide. Space the holes about 1-2 feet apart.
- Plant the Slip: Carefully remove the slip from the water and gently loosen any roots that may have formed. Place the slip in the hole, making sure that the top 2-3 inches of the slip are above the soil line.
- Water Well: Water the newly planted slips thoroughly to help them establish roots.
5. Nurturing Your Sweet Potato Vines
Once your sweet potatoes are planted, it’s important to provide them with the right care to help them grow strong and healthy.
- Watering: Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply and regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Sweet potatoes are moderate feeders. You can fertilize them once or twice during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your sweet potato plants free of weeds, as they can compete for water and nutrients.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your sweet potato plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Straw, wood chips, or shredded bark are all good choices for mulch.
6. Harvesting Your Sweet Potato Bounty
Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest in about 4-5 months after planting. Here’s how to know when it’s time to dig:
- Check the Vines: The leaves on the sweet potato vines will start to turn yellow and brown as the tubers mature.
- Feel the Soil: The soil around the base of the plants will feel firm and dry.
- Dig Carefully: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the sweet potatoes. Be careful not to damage the tubers.
7. A Delicious Ending: Storing and Enjoying Your Sweet Potatoes
After harvesting, you can store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place for several months. Here’s how:
- Clean and Cure: Gently brush off any dirt from the sweet potatoes and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place for about 10 days. This will help them develop their sweet flavor and extend their shelf life.
- Store Properly: Once cured, store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or pantry. They should last for several months if stored properly.
Beyond the Garden: A Sweet Potato Feast
Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. From mashed sweet potatoes to sweet potato fries, there’s a delicious recipe for every palate.
Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Sweet Potato Pie: A classic Thanksgiving dessert, sweet potato pie is a comforting and flavorful treat.
- Sweet Potato Soup: A hearty and healthy soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
- Sweet Potato Hash: A savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
- Sweet Potato Biscuits: A delicious and easy way to enjoy sweet potatoes for breakfast or brunch.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes from grocery store sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can! Just make sure the sweet potatoes are organic and haven’t been treated with any chemicals.
Q: What is the best time to plant sweet potato slips?
A: The best time to plant sweet potato slips is after the last frost in your area. This is typically in late spring or early summer.
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
A: Yes, you can! Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Make sure the container has drainage holes.
Q: How do I prevent sweet potato vine bugs?
A: Sweet potato vine bugs can be a problem for sweet potato plants. You can prevent them by using a row cover or by hand-picking them off the plants.
Q: What happens if I don’t cure my sweet potatoes?
A: If you don’t cure your sweet potatoes, they will not store as long and may not develop their full sweetness.
From the humble sprout to a delicious feast, growing your own sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the sweetness of your labor all year long. So, next time you see a sprouted sweet potato, don’t throw it away – plant it and watch your garden bloom with sweet, delicious bounty!
