If you’re in a warmer climate, growing sweet potatoes right in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding activity. Whether you have a large garden or just a small space, sweet potatoes are easy to grow, and they thrive in both the ground and containers. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber, low in fat, and packed with vitamin A, making them an excellent addition to your garden and your diet!
Why Should You Grow Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are enjoyed worldwide for their nutritional value and versatility. While some people may be hesitant to grow them at home, they’re actually quite easy to cultivate, especially if you start with slips. Slips are green vines that grow from the sweet potato root when it sprouts. These vines are cut and planted to grow new sweet potato plants.
There are two main types of sweet potatoes: the gourmet variety, known for its long cylindrical tubers, and the standard variety, which grows as a root crop and stores well. Both types can be grown from slips, which are usually ready to harvest in a few months.
How to Grow Sweet Potatoes from Slips
Growing sweet potatoes is a relatively simple process, and you can start from a store-bought sweet potato or grow your own slips from an existing root. Here are the steps:
- Choose a Healthy Sweet Potato
When selecting a sweet potato, look for one that’s free of any cold damage or rot. You want a healthy, fresh potato—small to medium size is ideal since it can produce 15–25 slips. Larger sweet potatoes don’t necessarily produce more slips, so stick with a reasonably sized root. Wash it thoroughly to prepare for slip germination. - Grow Slips in Water
- Identify the rooting end of the sweet potato (it will have small roots extending outward).
- Fill a jar with water and place the sweet potato in it, ensuring the rooting end is submerged.
- Use toothpicks to stabilize the sweet potato in the jar so that it doesn’t fall in.
- After 6–8 weeks, the slips will sprout, and you can separate them from the potato once they’ve reached 6–7 inches in length.
- Replace the water weekly to keep it fresh.
- Grow Slips in Soil
If you want a quicker method, try growing the slips in soil.- Prepare well-drained, sandy loam soil or use a potting mix with good drainage.
- If growing indoors, place the potato in moist soil in a container with drainage holes.
- Maintain a warm environment (around 75°F—85°F or 24°C—29°C) with high humidity (above 95%).
- After about 4–6 weeks, slips will form and grow, and once they’re 6–7 inches tall, you can remove them from the soil.
Planting Your Sweet Potato Slips
Once your slips are ready, it’s time to plant them. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Ground
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for planting. If you’re planting in containers, use nutrient-rich organic composted potting mix. Ensure the soil temperature is around 65°F (18°C). - Plant the Slips
Space the slips about 14–20 inches apart and plant them 4 inches deep, with the top portion above the soil. Gently press the soil around the slips to remove air pockets, but be careful not to compact it too much. - Watering
Water the slips deeply after planting, ensuring the ground is wet. For the first week, water daily, and then switch to every other day in the second week. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. - Provide Space for Growth
Sweet potato vines are fast growers, and they can spread anywhere from 3 to 20 feet, depending on the variety. Make sure there’s enough room for the vines to stretch out and for the roots to develop fully.
When to Harvest Sweet Potatoes
The time to harvest your sweet potatoes will depend on the variety and climate. Typically, it takes around 3 to 4 months for sweet potatoes to mature, though some varieties are bred for shorter seasons. To check if they’re ready, you’ll want to harvest them before the temperature drops below 40°F (4°C) as frost can damage the roots.
To harvest:
- Gently dig around the base of the plant to uncover the sweet potatoes. Be careful not to damage them.
- If you want to grow them bigger, you can leave them in the soil a bit longer, but be mindful of the weather.
Curing and Storing Sweet Potatoes
After harvesting, curing your sweet potatoes improves their flavor and makes them last longer. Here’s how:
- Lay the harvested sweet potatoes out in the sun for a few days to dry.
- Store them in a cool, dry place, such as a wooden box or burlap sack, at a temperature of 55°F–60°F (13°C–15°C) with 75%–80% humidity.
- Regularly check for any rotting or green potatoes and remove them to prevent contamination.
Once cured, sweet potatoes can be stored for months, providing you with a healthy and delicious vegetable for a long time.
Final Tips
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- Space: Make sure to give your sweet potato vines plenty of space to grow and spread.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your sweet potatoes clear of weeds to ensure they have enough room to grow.
- Pest Control: Protect your plants from insects, moles, and mice who like to burrow under the soil and damage the roots.
Growing sweet potatoes from slips is a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you have a large garden or just a small container, you can easily grow your own nutritious sweet potatoes at home. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Growing Sweet Potatoes from Slips
1. What are sweet potato slips?
- Sweet potato slips are young shoots that sprout from a mature sweet potato. These slips are typically grown in water or soil and are then transplanted into the garden or container for growing.
2. How do I grow sweet potato slips?
- To grow slips, place a sweet potato in a jar or glass of water with the bottom submerged, leaving the top exposed. Place it in a warm, sunny spot. After a few weeks, shoots (slips) will begin to grow from the top. Once the slips are 6–8 inches long, carefully remove them and plant them in soil.
3. Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
- Yes! Sweet potatoes can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough (at least 5 gallons). Make sure it has good drainage and use well-draining soil. Containers allow you to control the growing environment and keep the roots contained.
4. When is the best time to plant sweet potato slips?
- The best time to plant sweet potato slips is after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 65°F (18°C). This is usually in late spring or early summer, depending on your location.
5. How far apart should I plant sweet potato slips?
- Space your sweet potato slips about 12–18 inches apart in the garden or container. This will allow them enough room to spread and grow properly. Rows should be spaced 3 feet apart if planting in a garden.
6. How often should I water my sweet potatoes?
- Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture, especially when the slips are first planted. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. Once the vines are established, they can tolerate some drought, but watering is still important during dry spells.
7. Do sweet potatoes need a lot of sunlight?
- Yes, sweet potatoes thrive in full sun. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best growth and yield. If growing indoors, place your sweet potatoes in a sunny window or under grow lights.
8. How long does it take to grow sweet potatoes from slips?
- Sweet potatoes typically take about 90–170 days to mature, depending on the variety and climate. Generally, you can expect to harvest your sweet potatoes in the fall, after about 4–5 months of growing.
9. How do I know when my sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
- Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the vines begin to yellow and die back. Carefully dig around the base of the plant to check the size of the potatoes. If they are large enough and the skin is firm, they are ready for harvest.
10. How do I store harvested sweet potatoes?
- After harvesting, cure sweet potatoes by keeping them in a warm (80–85°F or 27–29°C), humid place for about 10–14 days. This helps develop the sugars in the potatoes. Once cured, store them in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. They can last for several months when stored properly.
Conclusion
Growing sweet potatoes from slips is a fun and simple way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. Whether you’re working with a large garden or just a small container, sweet potatoes are a great crop for all gardeners. With the right care, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest that’s nutritious and delicious. Happy gardening, and enjoy the process of growing your own sweet potatoes!