Sweet Potato Growing Guide* When to Plant Tobacco * Tobacco Plant Spacing * Soil, Irrigation, & Fertilizer * Pest & Disease Protection * Harvesting, Preserving & Storage * Extra Credit What are Sweet Potatoes?Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that is packed with nutrition. Sweet potatoes are typically a reddish–brown color on the outside and a pale yellow or orange on the inside. They usually have a long, tapered shape and can range in size from small to large. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and many other vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes tend to be much more nutrient–dense than regular potatoes. They are a staple food in many countries and are used in a variety of dishes, including baked goods, casseroles, and soups. Sweet potatoes are a great vegetable to grow in the garden, as they are hardy, easy to grow, and have a long harvest season. Sweet potatoes are also a great choice for gardeners because they are relatively pest and disease-resistant, and can be stored for a long time. Additionally, sweet potatoes can be grown in a variety of climates, even in cooler regions.
How to Start Growing Sweet PotatoTo grow sweet potatoes, you’ll need well-drained soil and a warm, sunny spot. Start by planting sweet potato slips in the spring after the last frost date. Plant slips outdoors 3 to 4 weeks after your last spring frost or once the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). Nighttime temperatures should be at least 55°F (13°C). The trick is to plant them early enough for them to have time to mature fully, but not so early that they get killed by a late spring frost. Bury each slip about a foot deep, with the top leaves sticking out of the soil. Water regularly and keep the soil consistently moist. When the vines begin to grow, mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and control weeds. Keep plants in full sun.
Did You Know?Sweet potatoes were first domesticated in South America over 5,000 years ago. The first recorded use of sweet potatoes in Europe, however, dates back to the mid-16th century.
Our Sweet Potato VarietiesOops! No products were found.Sweet Potato Plant SpacingIn-GroundRow Spacing – 3 to 4 feet
Plant Spacing – 12 to 24 inches
Planting Depth – 4 to 8 inches
Raised BedRow Spacing – 4 feet
Plant Spacing – 12 to 24 inches
Planting Depth – 4 to 8 inches
Sweet Potato Soil, Irrigation, & FertilizerSoil Requirements To Grow Tobacco Well-draining, high phosphorous soil * pH between 6.0 to 6.5 * Rich in organic materials * Good quality compost added to the soil Sweet Potato Irrigation RequirementsSweet Potato plants need at least 1 inch of water per week.* Using drip irrigation is always recommended to be sure that your plants are getting moisture directly to their root system. If you’re using conventional overhead watering techniques, try and use something like the Dramm Watering Can and water and fertilize at the base of the plant to keep moisture off the leaves.
Raised Bed Fertilizer ScheduleSeveral Weeks Before PlantingTest your soil at your local extension office.
1 Week Before PlantingAfter adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 6.5, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.
2 Weeks After PlantingSidedress 2 cups of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft. of row.
Every 14 Days (After 1 Week Planting)Mix 1 tablet each of Dr. Joe Nutri Bubble -AND- Dr. Joe Tomato & Vegetable Bubble into 1 gallon of water. Apply as a drench per 4 plants.
In-Ground Fertilizer ScheduleSeveral Weeks Before PlantingTest your soil at your local extension office.
1 Week Before PlantingAfter adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 6.5, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.
2 Weeks After PlantingUsing the Hoss Fertilizer Injector, Mix 1 cup of Hoss Premium 20-20-20 Fertilizer -AND -1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.
Alternate Every 14-21 DaysMix 1 cup of Hoss Premium Calcium Nitrate -AND -1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.
Non-Organic Controls
Bug buster ll – Aphids, Wireworms, Stinkbugs, Flea Beetle, Whiteflies, Grubs, Thrips, Armyworms
Treat as needed using label instructions.
Common DiseasesOrganic Controls
Crop rotation and select resistant varieties – Blights, Fungal, Viral and Bacterial diseases
Do not plant in same area for 3-4 years
Harvesting, Preserving, And Storing Sweet PotatoHarvesting Sweet PotatoHarvest the sweet potatoes when the vines begin to yellow and die back, usually in late summer or early fall. Carefully dig around the roots and gently remove the sweet potatoes from the soil. Allow them to cure in the sun for a few days before storing. To harvest sweet potatoes, wait until the foliage begins to yellow and die back, usually in late summer or early fall. Carefully dig around the roots with a garden fork or spade. Gently lift the sweet potatoes from the soil, being careful not to damage them. Brush off any excess soil and let the sweet potatoes cure in a warm, dry place for a few days to allow the skin to harden. This will improve their storage potential.
Storing Sweet PotatoTo store sweet potatoes, keep them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, such as a pantry or root cellar. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 55°F, as this can cause them to develop a sweet, woody flavor. Do not wash the sweet potatoes before storing, as moisture can encourage spoilage. Instead, simply brush off any excess soil and place them in a single layer in a paper or mesh bag. Sweet potatoes can be stored for several months in these conditions. To extend their shelf life, inspect them regularly and remove any that show signs of spoilage, such as soft spots or mold.
Peep at Our Sweet Potatoes!SHOP NOWSweet Potatoes Tips & TricksMulchingMulching sweet potatoes is an important part of growing a successful crop. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, and prevents the spread of diseases. Use a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, dry grass clippings, shredded leaves, or wood chips, around the base of the sweet potato plants. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot. Reapply mulch as needed throughout the growing season.
Snacking Alternative to PotatoesSweet potato chips and fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato chips, fries, and skins. Sweet potato chips, fries, and skins are typically seasoned with a variety of spices, such as chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, or cumin, even cinnamon sugar. They can also be enjoyed simply with a sprinkle of sea salt. Sweet potato chips, fries, and skins are a great choice for snacking, as they are lower in fat and calories, higher in fiber, and offer a better source of vitamins A and C than regular potatoes.
The Leaves are Edible!Sweet potato greens are the leafy green tops of the sweet potato plant, which are edible and commonly consumed in many parts of the world. They are rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Sweet potato greens can be prepared in various ways, such as sautéing, stir-frying, steaming, or boiling. They have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, similar to spinach or other leafy greens. They can be used in salads, soups, stews, or as a side dish. When choosing sweet potato greens, look for young, tender leaves that are bright green and not wilted. Wash them thoroughly before cooking and remove any tough stems.
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