1. Choose the right location and soil
Sweet potatoes love warm and sunny environments. They grow best in soil that is rich in organic matter, loose and well-draining. For optimal growth, sweet potatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Before you plant sweet potatoes, make sure to prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter that will enrich the soil and improve its structure.
2. Start with the right cuttings
Sweet potatoes are grown from cuttings called “slips,” which are sprouts that grow from the sweet potato. You can purchase slips from a reputable supplier or grow your own slips by placing a sweet potato in a jar of water. The sprouts will grow from the sweet potato and can be removed and planted into the soil once they have grown a few inches long.
3. Plant slips into the soil
Once your slips are ready, it’s time to plant them in the soil. Dig a hole that’s approximately 4-6 inches deep and place the slip into the hole until only the top leaves are visible. Make sure to space the slips about 12-18 inches apart to allow for growth. Cover the slips completely with soil, water them, and continue to water them regularly.
4. Maintain your sweet potato plants
Sweet potatoes need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water the plants deeply, and don’t let the soil become too dry. Keep the soil weed-free by using mulch, which will also help to retain soil moisture. Sweet potatoes grow as a vine, so you should either provide a trellis for them to climb, or allow them to grow along the ground by spreading out their vines.
5. Harvesting sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest between 3-5 months after planting. Lift the vines out of the ground or gently dig around the base of the plant to find the sweet potatoes. Be careful not to damage the sweet potatoes when digging them up. Sweet potatoes can be used right away, but they should also be stored properly for future use.
Growing sweet potatoes is an easy and fun way to create a sustainable source of nutritious food. With the right location, soil, and care, you can grow a bountiful crop of sweet potatoes right in your own backyard. So why not give it a try and enjoy the taste of freshly grown sweet potatoes?