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Dreaming of homegrown sweet potatoes?
You can grow them in containers!
Discover 9 easy tactics to get started.
It’s simpler than you think.
Let’s dig in and grow some sweet potatoes!
Choose the Right Container
Start by picking a container that’s at least 12 inches deep and 20 inches wide. Sweet potatoes need room to grow!
Larger pots let the roots spread out, which helps produce bigger and better tubers. Drainage is key, so make sure your pot has enough holes at the bottom to let water flow out.
You don’t want soggy roots!
Get the Right Soil Mix
Sweet potatoes thrive in well-draining soil. Use a mix of potting soil, compost, and sand.
This combo gives your plants the nutrients they need while making sure excess water drains away. Filling the container about 2 inches from the top is a good idea to leave room for watering without overflow.
Start with Healthy Slips
You can either buy slips at a garden store or grow your own from a sweet potato. To make your own, soak a sweet potato in water until sprouts (slips) and then transfer them to your container.
Healthy slips mean a healthy plant, so make sure they’re green and free from rot or disease.
Planting Your Slips
Once you have your soil ready and slips on hand, it’s time to plant. Stick your slips in the soil, about 3-4 inches deep, and give them some space apart, around 12 inches is best.
Make sure the leaves are above the soil and water them right after planting to help them settle in.
Watering Wisely
Sweet potatoes like steady moisture but hate being soaked. Water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
During hot weather, you might need to water more frequently. Remember, consistent watering helps the roots to develop properly, giving you more tubers in the end!
Add a Little Mulch
Mulching helps keep the soil moist and cool, which your sweet potatoes will love. Add a thin layer of straw or grass clippings on top of the soil.
Just don’t pack it too thick—about 1-2 inches is perfect. This will also help keep weeds down without taking up too much space in your pot.
Feed Your Plants
To help your sweet potatoes grow strong, feed them with a balanced fertilizer every couple of weeks. Look for something like a 10-10-10 ratio.
Too much nitrogen can lead to lots of leaves but not many tubers, so don’t overdo it. Healthy, moderate feeding is key!
Handle Pests Naturally
Not many pests go after sweet potatoes, but you might see some aphids or beetles. Use natural repellents like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
You can also handpick larger insects if you see any. Keeping an eye on your plants and acting quickly can save your crop from any big issues.
Harvesting Time
Your sweet potatoes will be ready to harvest about 3-4 months after planting when the leaves start to yellow. Carefully dig out the tubers and let them cure in a warm, dry place for about a week.
This helps them last longer and taste sweeter. Enjoy your homegrown sweet potatoes!