Quick Overview

Sweet potato , a darling culinary staple , are not only yummy but alsoincredibly easyto rise . Whether you ’re aseasoned gardeneror just start out , this comprehensive guide will put up you with all the knowledge you need to plant and train expand fresh white potato vines .

Choosing the Right Soil and Location

fresh potatoes prefer well - drain , sandlike loam soilwith a pH between 5.8 and 6.2 . They flourish in full sun , receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per daytime . Avoid planting in areas that have been recently fecundate withfresh manure , as this can lead to inordinate vine growth and boil down tuber product .

Selecting Healthy Slips

Slips areyoung shootsthat grow from the roots ofexisting sweet potato plant . They are the best-loved method of engraft sweet Irish potato , as theyproduce largerand more undifferentiated tubers . Choose healthy slips that are at least 6 inches long and have a firm , well - developed ancestor system .

Preparing the Soil

Before planting , fix the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12 in . Remove any large rock-and-roll or dust . If the grunge is ponderous or wad , amend it with compost or sand toimprove drainage . Create raised bed if necessary toensure adept drainage , specially in areas with heavy rainfall .

Planting the Slips

Dig holes 4 - 6inches deepand 12 - 18 inches apart . Space the words 3 - 4 feet aside . set the slips in the holes and cover them with dirt , leaving only the top few inches of theslips exposed . Firm the soil around the base of the plant and water them good .

Mulching and Watering

Mulch around the plants with straw , hay , or compost to hold wet , suppress weed , andregulate soil temperature . Water theplants on a regular basis , peculiarly during hot , dry atmospheric condition . purport to keep the stain evenly moist but not waterlogged .

Fertilizing

sweet-smelling potatoes benefit from abalanced fertilizer . Fertilize the plant once a calendar month with afertilizer highin atomic number 15 and potassium , such as a 10 - 10 - 10 or 5 - 10 - 10 blend . Avoid over - fertilizing , as this can lead toexcessive vine growthand reduce tuber production .

Disease and Pest Management

sweet-flavored potatoes are susceptible to a few unwashed diseases and pests , including odoriferous potato weevil , whiteflies , and fusarium wilting . Practice effective garden hygiene , such as craw gyration and removing infected plants , to downplay disease andpest problems . Use constitutional or chemical controls as needed , following the manufacturer ’s instructions cautiously .

Harvesting and Storage

fresh white potato vine are typically ready to harvest 90 - 120 days after planting . Dig carefully around the plants toavoid damagingthe tuber . Allow the tubers to dry in the sun for a few minute before storing them . depot seraphic potatoes in a cool , dark , anddry placewith a temperature between 55 - 60 ° F and a humidity of 80 - 90 % .

Tips for Success

Frequently Asked Questions

1 . When is the best time to establish angelic potatoes?The ideal planting fourth dimension deviate depending on your clime . Inwarm climate , sweet potatoescan be planted in the leap orearly summer . In cooler climates , it is proficient to plant them after the last frost date.2 . How deep should I establish sweet potato slips?Plant the trip 4 - 6inches deepand 12 - 18 inches apart.3 . How often should I water sweet potatoes?Water theplants on a regular basis , especially during raging , dry conditions . Aim to keep thesoil equally moistbut not waterlogged.4 . How do I know whensweet potatoesare quick to harvest?Sweet potatoes aretypically readyto harvest 90 - 120 days after implant . The leave of absence will start toturn yellowand the Tuber will be firm to the touch.5 . How should I store sweet potatoes?Store sweet Solanum tuberosum in a cool , dark , anddry placewith a temperature between 55 - 60 ° F and a humidity of 80 - 90 % .