Nutritious, easy-to-grow and long-lasting – sweet potatoes.

Growing sweet potatoes is rewarding for several reasons. They are highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They thrive in warm climates and require minimal care, making them a great choice for home gardens. Plus, they can be stored for months, providing a lasting food source. To harvest, wait until the foliage starts to yellow and die back. Carefully dig around the plant, being cautious not to damage the roots. Lift the tubers gently from the soil and let them cure in a warm, dry place for a week or two to enhance their sweetness and longevity.

Top Producing Sweet Potatoes

• Beauregard: Known for its high yield and excellent flavor, it’s a popular choice.
• Georgia Jet: This variety matures early and performs well in cooler climates.
• Northern Star: Developed specifically for cooler climates, it’s cold-tolerant and disease-resistant.
• Vardaman: Another good option for cooler climates, it has a shorter growing season.

Soil Preparation

1. Choose a sunny spot: Sweet potatoes thrive in full sunlight.
2. Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12-18 inches.
3. Amend the soil: Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained, sandy soil. Mix in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil texture and fertility.
4. pH Level: Aim for a soil pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

Planting

1. Start slips: Obtain sweet potato slips (young plants) from a nursery or grow your own by placing a sweet potato in water until it sprouts.
2. Planting Time: Plant slips after the last frost when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C).
3. Planting Depth: Plant slips 12-18 inches apart, burying them about 3-4 inches deep.
4. Watering: Water well at planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Growing

1. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
2. Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer, but avoid high nitrogen, which can promote foliage growth over tuber development.
3. Weed Control: Regularly weed the area to prevent competition for nutrients.

Harvesting

1. Timing: Harvest sweet potatoes 90-120 days after planting, once the foliage starts to yellow.
2. Digging: Carefully dig around the plant to avoid damaging the roots. Lift the tubers gently from the soil.
3. Curing: Let the sweet potatoes cure in a warm, dry place for 1-2 weeks to enhance their sweetness and shelf life.

Cooking with Sweet Potatoes