How To Plant Sweet Potato Plants [ Full Guide ]

Sweet potatoes are not only a delicious and nutritious addition to any dish but are also relatively easy to grow! Planting sweet potato plants requires attention to timing, soil quality, and plant selection, but can be a rewarding experience for gardeners of all experience levels. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore step-by-step instructions on how to successfully plant sweet potato plants in your garden.

Quick Answer: How To Plant Sweet Potato Plants

1. Start with Sweet Potato Slips: You can grow sweet potatoes from "slips," which are sprouts that grow from mature sweet potatoes. You can buy sweet potato slips from a nursery or produce store, or even create your own by sprouting a sweet potato in water.

2. Choose the Right Time: Sweet potato plants thrive in warm weather, so it’s best to plant them after the last frost of spring. Keep in mind that they require a long growing season of at least 3-4 months.

3. Select a Suitable Location: Look for an area in your garden with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Sweet potatoes require a lot of direct sunlight to flourish.

4. Prepare the Soil: Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its quality.

5. Planting: Plant the slips in the prepared soil, making sure to space them adequately to allow for their growth.

6. Watering and Maintenance: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and be mindful of pests and diseases as the plants grow.

7. Harvesting: Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves and vines start to yellow and wither. Carefully dig them up to avoid damaging the tubers.

Understanding The Best Planting Time For Sweet Potatoes

Timing is crucial when it comes to planting sweet potatoes. They are warm-weather plants, so it is important to wait until after the last frost before planting them. In most regions, this means planting sweet potatoes in late spring or early summer.

Planting sweet potatoes too early, when the soil is still cool, can result in poor growth and low yields. Conversely, planting too late can limit the time sweet potatoes have to mature before the first fall frost arrives.

In general, sweet potato plants require a long growing season of 3-4 months. This means that if you live in a region with a short growing season, it’s essential to choose an early-maturing variety of sweet potatoes or consider starting them indoors before transplanting them outside.

Choosing The Right Location For Planting

Selecting the optimal location for planting sweet potatoes is critical to their success. Here are some key factors to consider:

Sunlight

Sweet potato plants thrive in full sun, so it’s crucial to choose a planting site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A location with ample sunlight will promote vigorous growth and high yields.

Soil Quality

Sweet potatoes require well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to thrive. They do best in loose, sandy loam or loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.8-6.2. Heavy clay soils should be amended with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.

Warmth

Given their preference for warm temperatures, sweet potatoes should be planted in a location that receives adequate warmth throughout the growing season. Avoid low-lying areas that may be prone to frost or cold air pockets, as this can hinder the growth of sweet potato plants.

Space

Sweet potato plants require space to spread out and grow, so it’s important to provide adequate room for them to thrive. Plant the slips at least 12-18 inches apart in rows that are spaced 3-4 feet apart. This spacing allows the plants to develop without crowding each other.

Preparing The Soil For Sweet Potatoes

Preparing the soil is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your sweet potato plants. Here’s how to prepare the soil for planting sweet potatoes:

Soil Testing

Before planting sweet potatoes, it’s a good idea to conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. This can be done through a local agricultural extension office or with a DIY soil testing kit. The results will guide you in making any necessary adjustments to the soil before planting.

Soil Amendment

Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss, into the soil to improve its fertility and structure. This will help ensure that the soil provides the necessary nutrients and drainage for optimal sweet potato growth.

Fertilization

If the soil test indicates deficiencies, you can supplement the soil with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to the sweet potato plants. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as excessive nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of tuber development.

Soil Structure

Sweet potatoes thrive in loose, well-aerated soil. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches, breaking up any compacted areas and ensuring that the soil is friable and easy for the sweet potato roots to penetrate.

Selecting Healthy Sweet Potato Plants

When it comes to planting sweet potatoes, starting with healthy, high-quality plants is essential. There are two primary methods for obtaining sweet potato plants: purchasing slips from a reputable nursery or producing your own at home.

Purchasing Slips

Many nurseries and online suppliers offer sweet potato slips for purchase. When buying slips, look for the following traits to ensure that you are getting healthy plants:

• Strong, sturdy stems
• Vibrant green leaves
• Well-developed root systems
• Disease-free foliage

Ensure that the purchased slips are certified disease-free to prevent the introduction of pests or pathogens to your garden.

Growing Your Own Slips

Alternatively, you can produce your own sweet potato slips at home. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select a plump, healthy sweet potato with no signs of disease or damage.
2. Place the sweet potato in a jar or glass of water, using toothpicks to suspend the top third of the sweet potato in the water.
3. Position the sweet potato in a warm, sunny location, changing the water every few days to keep it fresh.
4. After a few weeks, the sweet potato will begin to sprout shoots. Once these shoots are several inches long, gently twist them off the sweet potato and place them in water to allow roots to form.

By following these guidelines, you can produce your own slips from a sweet potato, giving you full control over the health and quality of the plants you will be planting in your garden.

Planting Sweet Potato Slips

Now that you have your sweet potato plants ready, it’s time to plant them in the prepared soil.

Planting Process

1. Spacing: Dig furrows that are 3-4 feet apart and 8-12 inches deep. Plant the slips at least 12-18 inches apart within the rows.
2. Orientation: Place the slips in the furrows with the leafy ends facing upward and the root ends facing downward.
3. Covering: Gently cover the slips with soil, leaving the top few inches of the plants exposed.
4. Watering: Water the newly planted slips thoroughly to help them establish their root systems.

Mulching

After planting, consider applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the sweet potato plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature, all of which contribute to healthier, more robust sweet potato plants.

Watering And Maintenance

Once planted, sweet potato plants require regular care and attention to ensure optimal growth and development.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during periods of dry weather. Water deeply to encourage the roots to penetrate deeper into the soil, but be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to rot and other diseases.

Fertilization

While sweet potatoes are relatively low-maintenance in terms of fertilization, a side-dressing of compost or a balanced organic fertilizer can be applied when the plants begin to vine and again after they start forming tubers. This provides the plants with a supplemental nutrient boost to support their growth.

Weed Control

Regularly check for and remove any weeds that may compete with your sweet potato plants for resources. Mulching can help suppress weed growth, but some manual weeding may still be necessary, especially in the early stages of growth.

Pests And Diseases

Monitor your sweet potato plants for signs of pests or diseases, such as sweet potato weevils, aphids, or fungal infections. Early detection and intervention can help prevent these issues from causing significant damage to your plants.

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

As the growing season progresses, your sweet potato plants will develop tubers beneath the soil, ready for harvest when the time is right.

Signs Of Maturity

Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest 90-170 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Look for the following signs that your sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested:

• The foliage begins to yellow and wither, indicating that the plants are starting to senesce.
• The tubers are large enough to be a satisfactory size for consumption, typically 2-3 inches in diameter.

Harvesting Process

1. Timing: Wait to harvest the sweet potatoes until at least two weeks after the foliage has started to yellow and die back. This allows the tubers to fully mature and develop their maximum flavor and sweetness.
2. Digging: Carefully dig around the base of the plants, being mindful not to damage the tubers with your shovel or fork.
3. Curing: After harvesting, allow the sweet potatoes to cure by laying them out in a warm, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. This helps the skins to mature and thicken, enhancing their storage potential.

Storage

Once cured, sweet potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space, such as a root cellar or pantry. Properly stored sweet potatoes can last for several months, providing a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals well into the winter months.

Planting sweet potato plants can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, resulting in a bountiful harvest of nutritious tubers. By paying attention to the planting time, selecting the right location, preparing the soil, choosing healthy plants, and providing proper care throughout the growing season, you can ensure the success of your sweet potato crop. With the comprehensive guidance provided in this article, you are well-equipped to embark on the journey of planting, growing, and harvesting your own sweet potatoes, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrancy to your garden and dinner table.

The Importance Of Proper Spacing

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in a variety of climates. They are easy to grow and can be harvested in as little as four months. To successfully cultivate sweet potatoes, it is important to understand the proper planting techniques.

Before we delve into the steps of planting sweet potato plants, it is essential to understand the importance of proper spacing. Sweet potatoes are sprawling plants that require ample space to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. The recommended spacing for sweet potato plants is around 12 to 18 inches apart, allowing each plant enough room to spread out and develop a robust root system. Planting sweet potatoes too close together can restrict their growth, resulting in smaller tubers and lower yields.

Steps To Planting Sweet Potato Slips

1. Choose a suitable location: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates and require full sun to grow optimally. Select a planting area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich.

2. Prepare the soil: Sweet potatoes prefer loose, loamy soil that provides good drainage. Before planting, remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area. Use a garden fork or tiller to break up compacted soil and add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and fertility. Aim for a pH level between 5.8 and 6.2.

3. Start with sweet potato slips: Sweet potatoes are typically grown from slips, which are young shoots that have been removed from mature sweet potatoes. You can purchase slips from local nurseries or grow them yourself. To grow your own slips, place a sweet potato in a jar of water, submerging the bottom half. After a few weeks, you should notice sprouts emerging from the top. Once the sprouts are around 6-8 inches long, gently twist them off the sweet potato to separate them.

4. Harden off the slips: Before planting the sweet potato slips, it is crucial to harden them off to adapt them to outdoor conditions. This process involves gradually exposing the slips to outdoor temperatures and increasing sunlight. Place the slips outdoors in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the exposure over the course of a week.

5. Plant the slips: Once the slips have adjusted to outdoor conditions, it’s time to plant them in the prepared soil. Dig 4 to 6-inch deep holes in rows, with each hole being around 12 to 18 inches apart. Gently place the slips into the holes, burying them up to the leaves and firming the soil around them. Ensure that the slips are planted upright and that the leaves are not resting on the ground.

6. Mulch the plants: To retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain a more consistent soil temperature, apply a layer of organic mulch around the sweet potato plants. Straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips make excellent mulch options. Apply a 2 to 4-inch layer around the base of the plants, taking care not to cover the leaves.

7. Provide support (optional): If you are growing a variety of sweet potato that produces long vines, you may consider providing support for the plants to prevent them from trailing along the ground. Install trellises or stakes near the plants and gently tie the vines to the supports as they grow.

8. Water the plants: After planting, thoroughly water the sweet potato slips to settle the soil around the roots. Sweet potatoes require consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells. Aim to provide around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Watering And Fertilizing Sweet Potato Plants

Sweet potato plants require consistent watering to promote healthy growth and tuber development. Here are some guidelines for watering and fertilizing sweet potato plants:

1. Watering schedule: Sweet potatoes need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Aim to provide around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid shallow watering, as it can lead to a weak root system. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

2. Fertilization: Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders that benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Before planting, incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil according to the package instructions. Once the plants start to grow, side-dress them with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every four to six weeks to support leaf and vine growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen application as it can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of tuber formation.

3. Organic fertilizers: If you prefer organic options, consider using compost, well-rotted manure, or fish emulsion as natural fertilizers for your sweet potato plants. Apply these fertilizers according to the product instructions to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients.

Protecting Your Sweet Potato Plants From Pests And Diseases

Like any other plant, sweet potato plants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Early detection and prevention are key to protecting your plants and ensuring a successful harvest. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect sweet potato plants, along with prevention and treatment methods:

1. Sweet potato weevils: These small beetles can cause significant damage to sweet potato plants. To prevent infestations, inspect slips for signs of weevil eggs before planting. Remove any infested plants to prevent the spread. If a weevil infestation occurs, consult with local agricultural extension services for treatment options.

2. Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can damage sweet potato roots. To prevent wireworm infestations, practice crop rotation and avoid planting sweet potatoes in the same area each year. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor for adult beetles, and handpick any larvae found in the soil. If wireworms are a persistent problem, consider using nematodes as a biological control method.

3. Sweet potato scab: This disease causes rough and corky lesions on sweet potato tubers, reducing their quality. To prevent scab, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid excessive soil moisture. Planting disease-resistant sweet potato varieties can also help mitigate the risk.

4. Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease attacks the roots and stems of sweet potato plants, resulting in wilting and stunted growth. To prevent fusarium wilt, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid excessive watering. Remove and destroy any infected plants promptly.

5. Slips and leaf beetles: These pests can chew on the leaves of sweet potato plants, causing significant damage. Handpick and destroy any beetles or larvae that you observe. Consider using insecticidal soaps or natural insecticides to control infestations if necessary.

Growing sweet potato plants can be a rewarding experience. By following proper planting techniques, providing adequate water and nutrients, and protecting the plants from pests and diseases, you can ensure a successful harvest of delicious sweet potatoes. Remember to space the plants correctly, plant healthy slips, water and fertilize appropriately, and monitor for pests and diseases. With care and attention, your sweet potato plants will flourish and provide you with a bountiful crop.

Mulching Techniques For Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be easily grown in your backyard garden. Learning how to properly plant and care for sweet potato plants will ensure a bountiful harvest of these delicious tubers.

Mulching is essential for sweet potato plants as it helps to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Here are some mulching techniques that you can employ for your sweet potato plants:

1. Organic Mulch: Use organic materials such as straw, hay, or shredded leaves as a mulch layer around your sweet potato plants. Apply a thick layer, about 3 to 4 inches deep, to prevent weed growth and conserve moisture in the soil.

2. Plastic Mulch: If you live in a cool climate and want to warm up the soil, you can use black plastic mulch. Lay the plastic mulch down before planting your sweet potato slips, securing it with stakes or rocks. Cut small holes in the plastic and plant the slips, making sure the holes are big enough to accommodate the roots.

3. Living Mulch: Another option is to use live plants as a mulch. Low-growing, drought-tolerant plants such as clover or vetch can be planted in between rows of sweet potato plants. These plants will help suppress weed growth and add nitrogen to the soil through their root systems.

Remember to water your sweet potato plants regularly, especially during dry spells, as mulching alone may not provide sufficient moisture.

When And How To Harvest Sweet Potatoes

Knowing the right time to harvest your sweet potatoes is crucial for their flavor and storage. Here are some indicators that it’s time to harvest your sweet potatoes:

1. Vine Dieback: As the sweet potato plants mature, their vines will begin to die back. This is a signal that the tubers have reached their full size and are ready to be harvested.

2. Soil Temperature: Sweet potatoes prefer warm soil, so harvest them when the soil temperature reaches around 55 to 60°F (13 to 15.5°C). Use a soil thermometer to measure the temperature at a depth of 4 inches.

3. Tuber Size: Sweet potatoes generally take around 100 to 150 days to mature, depending on the variety. The tubers should have reached a desirable size for harvesting, typically around 2 to 4 inches in diameter.

To harvest your sweet potatoes, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Soil: Before harvesting, water the soil thoroughly to make it easier to dig up the sweet potatoes. Use a garden fork or shovel to gently loosen the soil around the plants, being careful not to damage the tubers.

2. Dig carefully: Start digging about a foot away from the stem of the plant, and gradually work your way around in a circle. Dig deep enough to avoid cutting into the sweet potatoes. Lift the plants gently to expose the tubers.

3. Handle with care: Be gentle when handling the sweet potatoes to prevent bruising or damaging them. Avoid exposing the tubers to harsh sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can cause them to develop a bitter taste.

4. Cure the tubers: After harvesting, leave the sweet potatoes in a warm, humid location for a week or two to cure. This process allows the skins to toughen, extending their shelf life and improving their flavor.

Tips For Curing, Storing, And Using Sweet Potatoes

Once you have harvested your sweet potatoes, it’s important to properly cure, store, and utilize them. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Curing: After the initial curing period, move the sweet potatoes to a cooler location with a temperature of around 55 to 60°F (13 to 15.5°C). Maintain a high humidity level of around 85 to 90% for the first couple of weeks. This will help the sweet potatoes develop sweetness and heal any minor wounds.

2. Storage: Sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing them alongside fruits such as apples, pears, or onions, as these can release gases that promote sprouting or decay.

3. Preparation: Sweet potatoes can be enjoyed in various ways, from roasting and baking to boiling and mashing. They can also be used in soups, stews, and pies. Before cooking, scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt and debris. For baking, prick the skin with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.

4. Freezing: To extend the shelf life of sweet potatoes, they can be cooked, mashed, and then frozen for future use. Blanch the pieces in boiling water for a few minutes, then cool them quickly in ice water. Drain, pack them into airtight containers or freezer bags, and store in the freezer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues With Sweet Potato Plants

Despite their hardiness, sweet potato plants can face a few challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

1. Weed Control: Sweet potato plants are vulnerable to weed competition, which can inhibit their growth. Regularly weed the area around your sweet potato plants, being careful not to damage the shallow roots. Mulching can also help suppress weed growth.

2. Pests: The most common pests that attack sweet potatoes include sweet potato weevils, aphids, and slugs. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves or discolored foliage. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, to manage the pest population.

3. Diseases: Sweet potato plants can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as black rot, fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew. Practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of any infected plants and debris. Planting disease-resistant varieties and providing proper ventilation can also help prevent disease spread.

4. Cracking: Rapid growth or fluctuations in soil moisture can cause sweet potatoes to crack. Maintain consistent moisture levels by watering regularly, especially during dry spells. Harvest sweet potatoes before heavy rainfall to prevent cracking.

5. Fertilization: Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders and require adequate nutrients for proper growth. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Side-dress the plants with a balanced organic fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion

Planting and caring for sweet potato plants can be a rewarding experience. By following the mulching techniques, knowing the right time to harvest, and properly curing and storing the tubers, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious sweet potatoes. Remember to address any common issues with pests, diseases, and soil management to ensure the health and productivity of your sweet potato plants. With a little effort and attention, you can enjoy the nutritious and versatile sweet potatoes straight from your own garden.

FAQS

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Plant Sweet Potato Plants?

Sweet potato plants are best planted in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up to at least 55°F. This typically falls between May and July, depending on your location.

How Do I Prepare The Soil For Planting Sweet Potato Plants?

Sweet potato plants require a loose, well-draining soil. Start by tilling the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Then, add compost or aged manure to help improve soil texture and fertility. It is also recommended to do a soil test to determine if any additional nutrients are needed.

How Far Apart Should I Space My Sweet Potato Plants?

Sweet potato plants should be spaced 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This allows enough room for the plants to spread and for the roots to develop properly.

How Often Should I Water My Sweet Potato Plants?

Sweet potato plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to rotting of the roots.

When Can I Harvest My Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes can be harvested around 100-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. There is no exact time for harvesting, so it is recommended to periodically check the size and color of the sweet potatoes. Once they have reached a desirable size and the leaves begin to turn yellow, it is time to harvest.