What To Know
- This guide will provide you with a step-by-step breakdown of how to plant sweet potato in a container, ensuring a bountiful harvest in your own backyard.
- To prepare the slips, cut a 4- to 6-inch section of the sweet potato with a sharp knife.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to dry in the sun for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Sweet potatoes, known for their delectable taste and nutritional value, can now be grown in the convenience of containers, making them accessible to urban gardeners and those with limited space. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step breakdown of how to plant sweet potato in a container, ensuring a bountiful harvest in your own backyard.
Selecting a Container
The first step in container gardening is choosing the right container. For sweet potatoes, opt for a container that is at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. The size of the container will determine the number of sweet potatoes you can grow. Use containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Choosing the Right Soil
Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. You can use a commercial potting mix specifically designed for vegetables or create your own by mixing equal parts compost, peat moss, and sand. Ensure the soil has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Preparing the Slips
Slips are young shoots that grow from the sweet potato. To prepare the slips, cut a 4- to 6-inch section of the sweet potato with a sharp knife. Allow the cut end to dry for a few days to form a callus.
Planting the Slips
Fill the container with soil, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top. Place the slips in the soil at an angle, with the callus end facing down. Cover the slips with soil, leaving the top inch exposed.
Watering
Water the sweet potatoes deeply after planting. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing
Fertilize the sweet potatoes every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.
Mulching
Mulching around the sweet potatoes helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use a layer of straw, shredded leaves, or compost.
Sunlight
Sweet potatoes require full sun to produce abundant tubers. Place the container in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Harvesting
Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and the vines begin to die back. Gently dig around the sweet potatoes with a shovel or trowel to avoid damaging the tubers. Allow the sweet potatoes to dry in the sun for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing Leaves: This could be a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Reduce watering and fertilize regularly.
Small Tubers: Lack of sunlight or insufficient fertilizer can lead to small tubers. Ensure the sweet potatoes receive adequate sunlight and fertilize them according to the recommended schedule.
Cracked Tubers: Cracked tubers can occur due to overwatering or improper storage. Water the sweet potatoes regularly but avoid overwatering. Store them in a cool, dry place.
Takeaways
Growing sweet potatoes in containers is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce year-round. By following these steps, you can create a thriving sweet potato garden in the convenience of your own backyard.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I grow sweet potatoes in a pot?
A: Yes, sweet potatoes can be grown in containers that are at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide.
Q: What type of soil do sweet potatoes need?
A: Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Q: How often should I water sweet potatoes in a container?
A: Water the sweet potatoes deeply after planting. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Q: How long does it take to grow sweet potatoes in a container?
A: Sweet potatoes take approximately 90 to 120 days to mature in a container.
Q: How do I know when sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
A: Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and the vines begin to die back.
