How to Grow Sweet Potatoes from a Sweet Potato: Easy Steps

Sweet potatoes are tasty and healthy. They are easy to grow. You can grow them from a sweet potato you buy. This guide will show you how to do it.

What You Need

Before you start, gather some supplies. Here is what you need:

• One sweet potato
• Water
• A container or jar
• Potting soil
• A sunny spot

Step 1: Choose Your Sweet Potato

Pick a healthy sweet potato. Look for one that is firm. Avoid any that are soft or have spots. Organic sweet potatoes work best. They are less likely to have chemicals.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato

Now it is time to prepare your sweet potato. Here are two ways to do it:

Method 1: Water Method

This method is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Take your sweet potato and wash it. Make sure it is clean.
2. Fill a container or jar with water. Use enough water to cover half of the sweet potato.
3. Place the sweet potato in the jar. The bottom should be in the water.
4. Put the jar in a sunny spot. A window is a good place.

Method 2: Soil Method

This method uses soil. Here is how to do it:

1. Take your sweet potato and wash it.
2. Fill a pot with potting soil. Leave some space at the top.
3. Plant the sweet potato in the soil. Bury half of it.
4. Water the soil lightly. Keep it moist but not soggy.

Step 3: Wait for Sprouts

Now you wait. It takes time for sprouts to appear. Here is what to expect:

• In about 2 to 4 weeks, you will see sprouts.
• The sprouts grow from the top of the sweet potato.
• They will look like small green shoots.

Step 4: Prepare the Slips

After a few weeks, your sprouts will grow. These sprouts are called slips. Here is what to do:

1. When slips are about 4 to 6 inches long, it is time to remove them.
2. Gently twist or cut the slips off the sweet potato.
3. Place the slips in a glass of water.
4. Let them soak for a few days. This helps them grow roots.

Credit: www.youtube.com

Step 5: Plant the Slips

After a few days, the slips will have roots. Now it is time to plant them:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Sweet potatoes need lots of sun.
2. Prepare the soil. Loosen it and remove weeds.
3. Make holes in the soil. Each hole should be about 4 inches apart.
4. Plant each slip in a hole. Bury them up to their leaves.
5. Water the slips gently after planting.

Step 6: Care for Your Sweet Potatoes

Caring for sweet potatoes is important. Here are some tips:

• Water them regularly, especially in dry weather.
• Remove weeds around the plants. Weeds take water and nutrients.
• Fertilize the soil if needed. Use a balanced fertilizer.
• Watch for pests. Remove any bugs you see.

Credit: www.littleecofootprints.com

Step 7: Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Your sweet potatoes will grow over time. They are ready to harvest in about 90 to 120 days. Here is how to know when to pick them:

• Leaves will start to turn yellow.
• The vines will begin to die back.
• Gently dig around the plant to check the size of the potatoes.

How to Harvest

When your sweet potatoes are ready, follow these steps:

1. Use a shovel or garden fork.
2. Carefully dig around the plant.
3. Lift the sweet potatoes out of the soil.
4. Brush off the dirt. Do not wash them yet.

Storing Your Sweet Potatoes

After harvesting, it is important to store sweet potatoes correctly:

• Let them cure for a week. Keep them in a warm, dark place.
• This helps improve their flavor.
• After curing, store them in a cool, dry place.
• A pantry or basement works well.

Enjoy Your Sweet Potatoes

Now you can enjoy your sweet potatoes. They are delicious and healthy. Here are some ideas for eating them:

• Bake them in the oven.
• Make sweet potato fries.
• Add them to soups or stews.
• Use them in pies or desserts.

Conclusion

Growing sweet potatoes from a sweet potato is easy and fun. Follow these steps, and you will have a good harvest. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!