When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Tennessee

Introduction

Sweet potatoes are a popular vegetable crop in Tennessee, with many farmers and home gardeners growing them for their delicious taste and high nutritional value. If you're planning to grow sweet potatoes in Tennessee, you need to know when to plant them for maximum yield and quality. In this article, we'll explore the best time to plant sweet potatoes in Tennessee, along with some tips for successfully growing them.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Before you plant sweet potatoes in Tennessee, it's essential to understand the climate and soil requirements of this crop. Sweet potatoes thrive in warm weather, with temperatures between 70掳F and 90掳F being ideal. Tennessee experiences a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 37掳F in January to 88掳F in July. The state's temperature range is perfect for growing sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes also require well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. In Tennessee, most soils are naturally acidic, which is ideal for growing sweet potatoes. If you're planting sweet potatoes in Tennessee, make sure the soil pH is between 5.0 and 6.0 for optimal growth.

When to Plant Sweet Potatoes

The best time to plant sweet potatoes in Tennessee is between late May and early June. This period offers a good balance between warm temperatures and moist soil conditions, which are essential for successful sweet potato growth. Planting sweet potatoes earlier than late May may expose them to cooler weather, which can reduce their yield and quality.

If you live in eastern Tennessee, you can plant sweet potatoes a bit earlier, around mid-May. However, if you live in western Tennessee, planting sweet potatoes in early to mid-June is advised since the area's weather conditions and soil may be a bit cooler.

Planting Tips

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sweet potato planting experience:

1. Choose healthy slips: When purchasing sweet potato slips, choose healthy, disease-free slips that are three to four inches long.

2. Prepare the bed: Sweet potatoes require well-drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Prepare the bed by loosening the soil to a depth of nine inches, adding compost or well-decomposed manure.

3. Plant the slips: Once the bed is prepared, plant the sweet potato slips into the soil, making sure to bury them deep enough to cover the root ball. Space each slip at least 12 inches apart.

4. Water and fertilize: Water the sweet potato bed regularly to keep the soil moist, but don't overwater it. Fertilize the sweet potato plants twice a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Conclusion

Growing sweet potatoes in Tennessee requires the right timing, climate, and soil conditions. Late May to early June is the best time to plant sweet potatoes in Tennessee, with eastern Tennessee gardeners starting earlier than those in western Tennessee. With the tips we've provided, you'll be on your way to growing juicy and tasty sweet potatoes in no time!