Grow Delicious Sweet Potatoes in Your Garden: A Simple Guide
Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a rewarding addition to any garden. They’re nutritious, delicious, and surprisingly easy to cultivate, even for beginners. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow a bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes, whether you’re interested in the tasty tubers or the beautiful foliage.
Picking the Perfect Variety and Planting Time:
- Choose sweet potato varieties that thrive in your climate. Popular options include Beauregard, Jewel, and Covington.
- Wait until the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15.5°C) for optimal growth. This usually occurs in springtime.
Preparing a Sweet Potato Paradise:
- Select a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil. Sandy loam with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2 is ideal.
- Amend the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to boost fertility and drainage.
Planting Your Sweet Potato Slips:
- You can purchase sweet potato slips (rooted cuttings) or grow your own from mature sweet potatoes. Each slip should have 4-6 inches of stem.
- Plant slips 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart. Bury them slightly in trenches or mounds to encourage root development.
Watering and Mulching for Happy Plants:
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