How to Grow a Sweet Potato that has Sprouted

Sweet potatoes are delicious and nutritious root vegetables that are easy to grow at home. If you have a sweet potato that has sprouted, you can grow your own sweet potato plant and enjoy fresh sweet potatoes all year round. In this article, we will guide you through the process of planting and growing sweet potatoes from a sprouted sweet potato.

Preparing Your Sprouted Sweet Potato

Before planting your sprouted sweet potato, you need to prepare it for planting. First, find a sweet potato that has a sprout, or buy one from your local grocery store. Cut the sprouted end of the sweet potato off, and set it aside to use for planting. Then, cut the remaining sweet potato into slices, leaving a small piece of the sprouted end on each slice. This will help the sweet potato grow roots and shoots when you plant it.

Planting Your Sweet Potato

Once you have prepared your sweet potato, you can plant it. Choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-draining soil. If you don't have a garden, you can also plant your sweet potato in a large container filled with potting soil. Dig a hole in the soil and place the sweet potato slices into the hole, with the sprouted end facing up. Cover the slices with soil, making sure to leave the sprouted end exposed.

Caring for Your Sweet Potato Plant

To ensure that your sweet potato plant grows healthy and strong, you need to care for it properly. Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause the roots to rot. Fertilize your plant every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to provide it with the nutrients it needs to grow.

Harvesting Your Sweet Potatoes

After several months, your sweet potato plant should be ready to harvest. When the leaves start to turn yellow and the vines begin to wither, it's time to dig up your sweet potatoes. Use a spade or fork to gently dig around the base of the plant, being careful not to puncture any of the potatoes. Once you have harvested your sweet potatoes, store them in a cool, dry place for several weeks to cure before eating.

In conclusion, growing sweet potatoes from a sprouted sweet potato is a simple and rewarding process. With a little bit of care and attention, you can grow your own sweet potato plant and enjoy fresh sweet potatoes all year round.