How to Plant Sweet Potato Sprouts

Sweet potatoes are delicious and healthy root vegetables that can be grown easily in your home garden. One way to grow sweet potatoes is by planting sweet potato sprouts. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to plant sweet potato sprouts.

Preparing the Sweet Potato

The first step is to prepare the sweet potato. Select a healthy and mature sweet potato and keep it in a warm and humid place for two to three weeks. This will help the sweet potato to sprout. Once the sweet potato has sprouted, cut it into pieces, making sure that each piece has a few sprouts.

Preparing the Soil

Sweet potatoes prefer well-draining and fertile soil. If your garden soil is heavy, clayey, or compact, mix it with compost to improve drainage and aeration. Also, sweet potatoes require slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. You can add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it, depending on the soil's pH level.

Planting the Sweet Potato Sprouts

The next step is to plant the sweet potato sprouts. Dig a hole in the soil, making sure that it is deep enough to accommodate the sweet potato sprout. Place the sweet potato sprout in the hole, with the sprouts facing up, and cover it with soil. Leave a distance of about 10 inches between each plant, and make sure that each plant gets enough sunlight and water.

Caring for the Sweet Potato Plants

Sweet potato plants require moderate watering. Water the plants thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Also, sweet potato plants need regular fertilization to grow well. You can use organic fertilizers like compost or manure, or synthetic fertilizers like NPK to provide your plants with the necessary nutrients.

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can be harvested about 100 to 120 days after planting. To harvest sweet potatoes, dig them out of the ground carefully, being sure not to damage them. Allow the sweet potatoes to dry for a few days in a warm and dry place. Then, store them in a cool and dry place to prevent rotting.

Conclusion

Planting sweet potato sprouts is an easy and rewarding way to grow your own sweet potatoes. By following the steps in this article, you can grow healthy and tasty sweet potatoes in your home garden. Remember to prepare the sweet potatoes, soil, and plants properly, and to provide your plants with enough water, sunlight, and fertilizers. With these tips, you can enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of sweet potatoes right from your garden.