Planting Sweet Potatoes: A Guide

Sweet potatoes are loved by many for their sweet and starchy flavor, as well as their nutritional benefits. If you're planning to grow sweet potatoes in your garden, you might be wondering when the best time to plant them is. In this article, we'll give you some tips on when to plant sweet potatoes, as well as some other important considerations to keep in mind.

Climate and Soil Requirements

If you live in a warm, tropical climate, you can plant sweet potatoes year-round. However, if you live in a cooler climate with distinct seasons, it's best to plant sweet potatoes in the late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is at least 60掳F (15掳C). Sweet potatoes need a long growing season, ranging from 90 to 170 days depending on the variety, so be sure to give them enough time to grow before the first frost.

When choosing a site for your sweet potatoes, look for well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 5.0 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise it. If it's too high, add sulfur to lower it. Avoid planting sweet potatoes in compacted or rocky soil, as this can stunt their growth.

Preparing and Planting Sweet Potatoes

To prepare for planting, start by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) and removing any rocks or weeds. If your soil is low in organic matter, add compost or aged manure to improve its fertility. Then, make rows that are spaced 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) apart and 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) deep.

Next, cut sweet potato slips (slender sprouts that will grow into the sweet potato plant) from a mature sweet potato. Each slip should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and have a few leaves at the top. Let the slips cure for a few days before planting them in the soil.

Plant the sweet potato slips 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart in the row, burying the bottom two-thirds of the slip in the soil. Water the slips immediately after planting, and continue to water them regularly throughout the growing season to keep the soil moist.

Caring for Sweet Potatoes

Once the sweet potato plants start to grow, it's important to keep the soil weed-free and to mulch around the plants to retain moisture. Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization to grow well. You can fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.4 kg) per 100 square feet (9.3 square meters) of soil every 4 to 6 weeks.

Water sweet potatoes deeply once a week, or more often during periods of drought. Be sure not to overwater, as sweet potatoes are susceptible to root rot. In the fall, stop watering the plants and allow the soil to dry out for 1 to 2 weeks before harvesting to encourage better root storage.

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

You can start harvesting sweet potatoes 90 to 170 days after planting, depending on the variety. The potatoes can be harvested anytime after the leaves start to turn yellow and the vines begin to die back. To harvest, gently dig up the sweet potatoes with a digging fork, being careful not to injure the tubers. Cure the sweet potatoes by storing them in a warm, humid location (between 80 and 85掳F or 27 and 29掳C) for about a week to help them develop their characteristic sweet flavor.

Conclusion

Planting sweet potatoes requires some preparation and care, but with the right conditions, you can grow a bountiful harvest of these nutritious and delicious tubers in your own garden. Whether you live in a warm or cool climate, be sure to plant your sweet potatoes at the right time, in well-draining soil, and with enough space to grow. With a little bit of effort, you'll be enjoying the sweet rewards of your harvest in no time.