Comprehensive Guide to Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Sweet Potatoes: image

A Comprehensive Guide to Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. These hearty root vegetables are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to plant, grow, and harvest sweet potatoes.

Planting Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are typically planted in the late spring or early summer, once the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. Here are the steps to follow for planting sweet potatoes:

Choose a Location. Select a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Sweet potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Prepare the Soil. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and add compost or aged manure to improve the soil’s fertility.
Cut and Cure the Sweet Potato Slips. Sweet potatoes are typically grown from slips, which are small sprouts that grow from the sweet potato itself. Cut the sweet potato into pieces that are approximately 1 inch wide and 4-6 inches long. Allow the slips to cure in a warm, humid location for 7-10 days before planting.
Plant the Slips. Plant the sweet potato slips in a shallow trench that is 4-6 inches deep, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Cover the slips with soil, leaving the top inch of the slip above the soil surface.

“Insecticidal properties of plant extracts have been investigated as a potential source of pest control in sweet potato production. Research conducted by Boonlue et al. (2017) found that extracts of neem, garlic, and chili pepper were effective in controlling sweet potato weevils and other pests, and may offer an alternative to synthetic pesticides.”

Growing Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are relatively easy to grow, but they do require regular watering and attention to soil fertility. Here are some tips for growing sweet potatoes:

Water Regularly. Sweet potatoes require consistent moisture to grow properly. Water them deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize. Sweet potatoes benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Apply the fertilizer or compost tea every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.
Weed Regularly. Weeds can quickly overtake sweet potatoes, so it’s important to keep the area around the plants free from weeds. Use a hoe or hand tools to remove weeds as soon as they appear.

Source https://aitcla.org/sweet-potatoes

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest 90-120 days after planting. Here are the steps to follow for harvesting sweet potatoes:

Wait for the Right Time. Sweet potatoes are typically harvested in the fall, once the leaves have begun to yellow and die back.
Dig Up the Sweet Potatoes. Using a garden fork, gently loosen the soil around the sweet potato plants. Carefully pull up the sweet potatoes, being careful not to bruise or damage them.
Cure the Sweet Potatoes. After harvesting, sweet potatoes should be cured in a warm, humid location for 7-10 days. This allows the skins to toughen up and helps to extend the storage life of the sweet potatoes.

“Crop rotation is a proven method for managing sweet potato pests such as wireworms and root knot nematodes. Studies conducted by Okwuonu et al. (2020) found that rotating sweet potato crops with non-host crops such as maize and cowpea reduced the incidence of pest damage and increased yields.”

Pest control

Sweet potatoes can be vulnerable to a number of pests that can damage or destroy your crop if left unchecked. Here are some of the most common pests that you might encounter when growing sweet potatoes and how to control them:

Sweet Potato Weevil: The sweet potato weevil is a small beetle that feeds on the roots of sweet potato plants, causing stunted growth and reduced yields. To control sweet potato weevils, it is important to plant only healthy, disease-free slips and to keep the surrounding area free of weeds and debris that can harbor the pests. You can also use insecticides to control the weevils, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can cause damage to the roots of sweet potato plants. To control wireworms, you can use insecticides or crop rotation to disrupt their life cycle. You can also plant sweet potatoes in raised beds or containers to reduce the risk of infestation.
Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can damage the leaves and stems of sweet potato plants, as well as the tubers themselves. To control slugs and snails, you can use organic or chemical baits, or simply remove them by hand.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small insects that feed on the leaves of sweet potato plants and can transmit diseases. To control whiteflies, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Root Knot Nematodes: Root knot nematodes are microscopic worms that can cause swelling and deformity of sweet potato roots. To control root knot nematodes, you can use soil solarization or crop rotation with non-host crops such as corn or soybeans.

Prevention is the key to avoiding pest problems in sweet potato crops. Proper soil preparation, crop rotation, and good cultural practices can go a long way in preventing pest infestations. In addition, it is important to monitor your plants regularly for signs of pest damage and to take action as soon as you detect a problem. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a healthy and bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How do you know when sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?

Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest 90-120 days after planting. Look for yellowing leaves and vines, which is a sign that the sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested.

How do you store sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry location with good air circulation. Avoid storing sweet potatoes in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to develop a hard core.

Can sweet potatoes be grown in containers?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 18 inches deep and has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.

Conclusion

Growing sweet potatoes is a rewarding and satisfying experience that can provide you with a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious root vegetables. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a successful sweet potato crop. Follow the steps outlined in this guide for planting, growing, and harvesting sweet potatoes and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a tasty and healthy harvest. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll find that sweet potatoes are an easy and enjoyable crop to grow. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and start planting your sweet potato crop today!

Updated at: May 16, 2023

Written by Fred M. Robinson

Professional agronomist, permaculturist, popularizer of knowledge in the field of practical farming, expert in horticulture and viticulture, author of books on applied horticulture and viticulture. More than anything, I like to tell what I have found and understood, and to show what I have seen. Besides writing, I am fond of photography, taking pictures of gardens, travel and nature. In my articles I raise all the most important issues that concern gardeners, farmers, all those who seek to grow and harvest abundant eco-harvest. Great experience allows in the first year to significantly improve the quality and quantity of grown vegetables, berries and fruits, and get confidence in their eco-friendliness and health benefits. As spring approaches, it's a good time to study the gardening guides!