How to Plant Sweet Potato Plants

Sweet potato plants are easy to grow and produce tasty and healthy tubers. Whether you want to plant sweet potatoes in your garden or in a container, here are the steps to follow for a successful harvest.

Preparing the Soil

Sweet potatoes grow best in loose, sandy soil with good drainage. Before planting, prepare your soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure. You can also add a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for the plants.

Planting Sweet Potato Slips

Sweet potatoes are usually planted from slips, which are young shoots that grow from a mature sweet potato. You can purchase sweet potato slips from nurseries or garden centers, or you can grow your own from a sweet potato.

To grow your own sweet potato slips, start by placing a sweet potato in a warm, humid spot for several weeks. Sprouts will begin to grow from the sweet potato, and when they are about 6-8 inches long, carefully twist them off at the base. Place the slips in a jar of water or directly in soil to root.

To plant sweet potato slips, make holes in your prepared soil about 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart. Place one slip in each hole and cover with soil. Water the plants well and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Caring for Sweet Potato Plants

Sweet potato plants need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water them deeply once a week, or more often if the soil feels dry to the touch. Mulch around the plants with straw or leaves to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Sweet potato plants are heavy feeders and benefit from regular applications of fertilizer. You can use a balanced fertilizer or one that is high in potassium, which promotes the growth of tubers. Apply fertilizer every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.

Sweet potatoes are susceptible to pests and diseases such as root rot, cutworms, and flea beetles. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage or infestation and take action promptly to prevent further damage. You can use organic pesticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests.

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to yellow and die back. This usually occurs in the fall, around 100-120 days after planting. Carefully dig up the tubers with a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Cure the sweet potatoes by placing them in a warm, humid spot for several days, then store them in a cool, dry place.

In conclusion, planting sweet potato plants is a fun and rewarding experience. With the right soil preparation, planting techniques, and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and nutritious tubers.