Grow Sweet Potatoes

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

There’s something truly rewarding about growing sweet potatoes—whether it’s harvesting your own nutritious, homegrown tubers, connecting to a timeless gardening tradition, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of watching your vines flourish under your care.

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Where to Begin: Planting with Purpose

Before you start planting slips, it’s important to plan carefully. Choosing the right spot for your sweet potatoes will impact how well they grow and how big your harvest will be. Sweet potatoes thrive in full sun, well-drained soil, and need plenty of space for their vines and roots to spread.

Understanding your soil type is key. Loose, sandy or loamy soil enriched with organic matter provides the best environment for tuber development. Our guides at 1st Choice Fertilizer help you prepare your soil for optimal growth, whether you’re planting slips directly into the ground, raised beds, or containers.

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Ongoing Care: Keeping Your Sweet Potatoes Healthy

Once your slips are planted, consistent care will ensure strong growth season after season. Proper watering is crucial—too little moisture can stunt tuber growth, while too much can cause rot. Knowing when and how much to water will keep your crop healthy.

Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds, while light fertilizing supports vigorous vine growth without sacrificing root development. Regularly check your plants for pests and diseases, and follow our recommended prevention and treatment strategies to keep your sweet potatoes thriving.

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More to Explore

From soil preparation and planting slips to watering, fertilizing, and harvesting, this series covers everything you need to grow a successful sweet potato crop. Use the “In This Series” menu to jump to topics that interest you most, or follow the guides step by step for the full growing experience.

Acclimating Sweet Potato Slips Before Planting

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Before your sweet potato slips settle into the soil, there’s one important step to give them the best start: acclimation—often called hardening off. This process gradually prepares your young slips for outdoor conditions after being raised indoors or in a greenhouse.

At 1st Choice Fertilizer, many of our slips are started in controlled environments where temperature, humidity, and light are ideal. While this produces healthy, vigorous slips, it also means they’re not yet used to the harsher outdoor elements such as full sun, wind, or temperature swings.

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Why Acclimation Matters

Young slips are delicate and sensitive to sudden environmental changes. Skipping acclimation can lead to wilting, leaf burn, or slowed growth, reducing their chances of establishing well. Some outdoor stressors to watch for include:

• Temperatures below 55°F or above 85°F

• Sudden cold snaps or frost

• Direct, intense sunlight

• Wind that dries or damages tender leaves

Since these conditions often occur in early spring (or whenever you start planting), taking time to harden off slips can make a big difference.

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Acclimating Sweet Potato Slips

For slips started indoors or greenhouse-grown:

1. Begin outdoors in a shaded, protected spot—like under a tree canopy or on a covered porch.

2. Gradually increase sun exposure over 5–7 days by moving them into brighter, sunnier locations for longer periods each day.

3. Watch soil moisture carefully. Water slips well but let the surface dry slightly between waterings to encourage strong root growth.

4. Protect from wind and cold. Avoid leaving slips outside overnight if temperatures dip near freezing; bring them indoors if needed.

After about a week of this gentle adjustment, your slips should be ready for planting in the garden or field—ideally when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F.

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A Few Extra Tips

• Adapt to your region: Depending on local climate and season, slips may need more or less acclimation time.

• Indoor option: If outdoor conditions are harsh, keep slips near a sunny window or under grow lights while hardening off gradually indoors.

• Be patient: Each slip may respond differently—some harden quickly, others take more time.

Taking the time to acclimate your sweet potato slips properly helps ensure they establish quickly and grow vigorously after planting. This simple step sets you up for a successful sweet potato harvest with 1st Choice Fertilizer supporting you every step of the way.

Choosing the Right Location to Plant Sweet Potatoes

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Success begins before you plant a single slip. Picking the ideal spot for your sweet potatoes can save you time and effort, ensuring healthy vines and a bountiful harvest year after year.

Here are five important factors to think about before planting your sweet potatoes:

• Soil temperature and texture

• Sunlight exposure

• Drainage and moisture

• Space for spreading vines

• Accessibility for care and harvest

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1. Soil Temperature & Texture: Warm and Well-Drained

Sweet potatoes thrive in warm soil—ideally above 65°F. Planting too early in cold soil can stunt growth or cause slips to rot.

They prefer loose, sandy, or loamy soil that drains well but retains enough moisture. Heavy clay or waterlogged soils can hinder root development and lead to disease. If your soil is heavy, consider raised beds or amending it with compost and organic matter to improve texture.

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2. Sunlight: Full Sun for Sweet Success

Sweet potatoes love full sun—aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun means stronger vines and bigger, sweeter tubers.

Avoid planting where shadows from buildings or trees will fall during the day.

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3. Drainage & Moisture: Keep It Balanced

While sweet potatoes need consistent moisture, standing water can cause root rot. Choose a site with good natural drainage and avoid low-lying areas where water pools.

If your soil drains too quickly, mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

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4. Space for Vine Growth: Give Them Room to Spread

Sweet potato vines can spread widely—often 8 to 12 feet or more. Make sure you provide enough space so they don’t crowd other plants or get tangled.

Spacing slips about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart is typical for most gardens.

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5. Accessibility: Easy Care and Harvest

Think about how you’ll tend your sweet potatoes throughout the growing season. Is the site easy to water, weed, and check for pests? Can you comfortably harvest without damaging vines?

Good access makes caring for your sweet potatoes easier and more enjoyable.

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Ready to Plant?

Choosing the right location is a key step toward a thriving sweet potato patch. With thoughtful planning and support from 1st Choice Fertilizer, your sweet potatoes will have everything they need to grow strong and produce a delicious crop.

How to Plant Sweet Potatoes the Right Way

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Getting your sweet potatoes off to a healthy start begins with proper planting. While sweet potatoes are fairly easy to grow once established, giving them the right foundation is key to producing large, flavorful tubers and vigorous vines.

Getting Started: Prep Before You Plant

Before planting your sweet potato slips, soak the roots or cuttings in water for 1–2 hours to hydrate them. This helps reduce transplant shock and jumpstarts root growth. Avoid letting roots dry out or get exposed to extreme temperatures before planting.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Prepare the Soil
Sweet potatoes thrive in loose, well-drained soil. Till or dig the soil deeply (about 10–12 inches) to loosen it and remove any rocks or debris. Enrich the soil with aged compost or organic matter like our Coco-Fiber Growing Medium to boost fertility and moisture retention.

Form Raised Rows or Beds
If your soil is heavy or prone to poor drainage, build raised rows or beds about 8–12 inches high and 12–18 inches wide. This helps prevent waterlogging and encourages healthy root development.

Plant the Slips
Place sweet potato slips 12 to 18 inches apart, burying the roots and about half the stem. Gently firm the soil around the base to eliminate air pockets, but don’t compact it too much—roots need space to grow.

Mulch for Moisture
Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves to keep soil moist, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

After Planting: Water and Care

Water the newly planted slips thoroughly, soaking the root zone. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy throughout the growing season.

Sweet potatoes like warm, steady moisture, especially during tuber formation, but avoid overwatering, which can cause rot.

Regularly check for weeds and pests, and keep mulch topped up as needed to conserve moisture.

Special Planting Tips for Sweet Potatoes

• Avoid planting too early in cold or wet soil; wait until soil temperatures reach at least 65°F for best results.

• Provide plenty of room for vines to spread—sweet potatoes are vigorous growers and need space to flourish.

• If you’re planting in containers or small spaces, use large pots or grow bags with well-draining soil and ample sunlight.

Final Tip: Patience Pays Off

Sweet potatoes typically take 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Give your plants plenty of time and care, and you’ll be rewarded with a rich harvest of sweet, tender tubers.

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With careful planting and support from 1st Choice Fertilizer, your sweet potatoes will grow strong and delicious all season long.

How to Prepare Soil for Planting Sweet Potatoes

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Before your sweet potato slips hit the ground, proper soil preparation is essential to set the stage for a healthy, productive crop. Healthy soil encourages strong root and tuber development—which leads to bigger, sweeter harvests.

Whether you’re planting in spring or early summer, preparing your soil ahead of time gives your sweet potatoes the best possible start. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Soil Preparation Matters

Good soil helps your sweet potatoes to:

• Access vital nutrients

• Retain steady moisture without waterlogging

• Develop healthy, sprawling roots and tubers

• Resist pests, diseases, and environmental stress

We recommend testing your soil before planting and monitoring it yearly. Use a 1st Choice Digital Soil Meter for quick home readings of moisture, pH, and temperature, or send a sample to your local Cooperative Extension for detailed analysis.

Understanding Soil Types

Your native soil will guide how much preparation is needed:

Clay or Silt Soils
Heavy, dense, and slow-draining. These soils may retain water too long, risking tuber rot. Amend with organic matter and consider raised beds to improve drainage.

Loam Soils
The sweet spot: well-draining yet moisture-retentive with plenty of organic matter. Loam soils usually need minimal amendment but benefit from added compost.

Sandy Soils
Fast-draining and nutrient-poor. Sweet potatoes in sandy soils require frequent watering and organic amendments to maintain moisture and fertility.

When to Prepare the Soil

Prepare soil any time it’s workable—usually spring or early summer before planting slips. Starting soil amendments in the fall can improve structure and fertility by planting time.

What to Add to Your Soil

Sweet potatoes thrive in loose, fertile soil. Recommended amendments include:

• Compost – Boosts nutrients and improves soil texture

• Aged Manure – Adds organic matter and fertility

• Coir or Peat Moss – Increases moisture retention and aeration

• Sand – Loosens heavy soils and improves drainage (use alongside organic matter)

• Garden Lime – Raises pH if soil is too acidic (below pH 5.5)

Pro Tip: Utilize natural yard waste like shredded leaves and grass clippings—they break down into valuable organic matter. Start collecting these in the fall for your spring soil prep.

How Organic Matter Helps Different Soils

In sandy soils:
Organic matter binds particles and holds moisture and nutrients longer.

In clay or silt soils:
It loosens dense soil, improving drainage and root penetration.

In poor or depleted soils:
Organic amendments rebuild microbial life and boost fertility for healthier crops.

Your Soil, Your Sweet Potato Success

Investing time and effort in preparing your soil pays off in vigorous growth, healthier plants, and a plentiful harvest.

Ready for the next step? In the upcoming guide, we’ll cover how to plant sweet potato slips properly and ensure they take root fast.

Explore our full line of soil amendments and fertilizers at www.1stChoiceFertilizer.com to give your sweet potatoes the best start possible.

Fertilizing Sweet Potatoes for Healthy Growth and Sweet Harvests

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Fertilizing sweet potatoes is key to building healthy vines and, more importantly, producing large, flavorful tubers. Like any crop, sweet potatoes have specific nutrient needs—especially potassium, which supports tuber development and overall plant health.

But not all soils or growing conditions are the same. That’s why testing your soil before fertilizing is crucial. Whether you’re starting your first crop or managing an established patch, soil testing ensures you apply the right nutrients in the right amounts.

Why Fertilize Sweet Potatoes?

Fertilizer is more than just “plant food”—it’s a targeted boost that supplements your soil’s natural fertility and keeps your sweet potatoes thriving.

The three essential macronutrients are:

• Nitrogen (N): Encourages vigorous vine and leaf growth early on

• Phosphorus (P): Supports strong root development and energy transfer

• Potassium (K): Vital for tuber formation, disease resistance, and overall plant health

You’ll see these listed as N-P-K ratios on fertilizer products, including our 1st Choice Premium Fertilizer blends—formulated to support root crops like sweet potatoes at each growth stage.

Always Test Before You Fertilize

Soils vary widely in nutrient content, and over-fertilizing—especially with nitrogen—can reduce tuber quality by encouraging too much vine growth at the expense of the roots.

Use a 1st Choice Digital Soil Meter or send a soil sample to your local Extension office to understand your soil’s nutrient profile before applying fertilizer.

Fertilizing Sweet Potatoes: Getting It Right

Pre-planting:
Incorporate a balanced fertilizer with moderate nitrogen and higher potassium into your soil before planting slips. Our 1st Choice Root & Tuber Starter blend is ideal for prepping soil with the nutrients sweet potatoes need to establish.

During growth:
Once vines begin to spread, side-dress with a fertilizer higher in potassium to promote tuber development. Avoid excessive nitrogen at this stage to prevent overly lush foliage and sparse tubers.

When to Fertilize Sweet Potatoes

• Before planting: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer incorporated into the soil.

• 4-6 weeks after planting: Side-dress with potassium-rich fertilizer to support tuber growth.

Avoid fertilizing late in the season (about 6 weeks before harvest) to allow tubers to mature fully.

⚠️ Important: Excess nitrogen late in the season can cause excessive vine growth, reducing tuber size and quality.

Different Soils, Different Needs

Sweet potatoes grown in sandy soils typically require more frequent feeding and irrigation due to faster nutrient leaching, while clay or loam soils may hold nutrients longer but need good drainage to prevent root rot.

Micronutrients Matter Too

Micronutrients like magnesium, calcium, and boron play important roles in tuber quality and plant health. A deficiency in any of these can affect yield and sweetness.

For example, calcium improves skin firmness and reduces rot susceptibility. Use supplements like 1st Choice Earth-Care Calcium+ if your soil test shows low calcium levels.

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Need help picking the right fertilizer for your sweet potatoes?
Visit www.1stChoiceFertilizer.com for expert advice and our full range of tailored products to help your sweet potatoes thrive.

Weeding & Pest and Disease Control for Sweet Potatoes

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Sweet potatoes flourish with the right care throughout their growing season. Proper vine management, consistent weeding, and proactive pest and disease control are key to producing healthy vines and abundant, high-quality tubers.

Vine Management for Sweet Potatoes

• Why Manage Vines?
  While sweet potatoes don’t require heavy pruning, gently trimming excessive vine growth helps improve air circulation, reduces disease risk, and channels energy into tuber development.

• How to Prune:
  Snip back overly long or crowded vines as needed, especially if they are shading other plants or blocking airflow.

Importance of Weeding

• Weeds compete with sweet potatoes for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

• Regularly remove weeds by hand or hoe to keep your beds clean and reduce pest habitat.

• Applying organic mulch can also suppress weed growth and help conserve soil moisture.

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Common Sweet Potato Pests and Control Methods

Sweet Potato Weevil

• Larvae tunnel into tubers and stems, causing rot and yield loss.

• Control: Rotate crops yearly, remove and destroy infested plants, and apply approved insecticides when necessary.

Wireworms

• Larvae feed on tubers causing holes and decay.

• Control: Improve soil health with organic matter, rotate crops, and treat soil if infestations are severe.

Flea Beetles

• Chew small holes in leaves, weakening plants.

• Control: Use row covers early in the season, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soaps.

Aphids and Whiteflies

• Sap-suckers that weaken plants and spread diseases.

• Control: Introduce natural predators, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and maintain good garden hygiene.

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Common Sweet Potato Diseases and Prevention

Fusarium Wilt

• Causes yellowing and wilting of vines.

• Prevention: Plant resistant varieties, rotate crops, and avoid waterlogged soil.

Black Rot

• Leads to black lesions on tubers and stems.

• Prevention: Use disease-free slips, sanitize tools, and avoid damaging tubers during harvest.

Scurf

• Dark patches on tuber skin; generally cosmetic.

• Prevention: Use clean planting material and rotate planting sites.

Stem and Root Rot

• Occurs in poorly drained soils, causing plant collapse.

• Prevention: Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.

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Best Practices for Pest and Disease Management

• Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or disease for early intervention.

• Remove weeds, plant debris, and infected tubers promptly to reduce spread.

• Rotate sweet potatoes with unrelated crops to break pest and disease cycles.

• Use organic mulches to conserve moisture and deter weeds and some pests.

• Maintain good soil health with compost and organic matter to support plant resilience.

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By carefully managing your sweet potato vines, controlling weeds, and staying vigilant against pests and diseases, you’ll set the stage for a bountiful harvest of delicious, healthy sweet potatoes.

• Natural: Monterey Horticultural Oil, Hi-Yield® Vegetable & Ornamental Insect Control, Natural Guard® Caterpillar Killer Spray w/BT, Ferti-lome® Triple Action, Natural Guard® Neem

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Mites

Tiny arthropods on leaf undersides.
Symptoms: Bronze leaf color, webbing in severe cases.
Control:

• Sprays: GardenTech® Sevin®, Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus

• Natural: Monterey Horticultural Oil, Safer® Insect Killing Soap, Ferti-lome® Triple Action, Natural Guard® Neem

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Plum Curculio

Brown beetle with snout; lays eggs in fruit.
Symptoms: Crescent-shaped cuts on fruit, worm tunnels, premature fruit drop.
Control:

• Site cleanup: Remove dropped fruit quickly

• Spray timing critical: Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus (just after petal fall)

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Red Bug

Small red insects feeding on leaves and fruit.
Symptoms: Leaf distortion, dimpled or rusty fruit surface.
Control:

• Natural sprays: Monterey Horticultural Oil

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Scale

Hard, scaly bumps on twigs and branches.
Symptoms: Weakens tree by sap feeding.
Control:

• Sprays: GardenTech® Sevin®, Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus

• Natural: Monterey Horticultural Oil, Safer® Insect Killing Soap, Ferti-lome® Triple Action, Natural Guard® Neem

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Tarnished Plant Bug

Yellow-brown winged insect causing fruit deformities.
Symptoms: Stunted growth, cat-facing on fruit.
Control:

• Natural sprays: Safer® Insect Killing Soap, Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus, Ferti-lome® Triple Action

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Tent Caterpillar

Hairy grayish caterpillars making webs on branches.
Symptoms: Webbed leaves, heavy defoliation.
Control:

• Site cleanup: Remove and burn webs

• Sprays: Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus

• Natural: Safer® Insect Killing Soap, Natural Guard® Caterpillar Killer Spray w/BT

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Thrips

Tiny, slender insects feeding on foliage.
Symptoms: Deformed, discolored leaves and buds.
Control:

• Natural sprays: Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus, Safer® Insect Killing Soap, Monterey Horticultural Oil

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Common Apple Tree Diseases

Anthracnose

Fungal disease favored by cool, wet weather.
Symptoms: Sunken, orange-brown cankers on bark; brown spots on leaves and fruit (Bull’s Eye rot).
Control:

• Natural fungicides: Monterey Liquid Copper Fungicide, Natural Guard® Neem, Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus

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Bitter Rot

Fungal disease favored by warm, wet weather.
Symptoms: Sunken, brown fruit spots with concentric rings; fruit rots to core and mummifies.
Control:

• Site cleanup: Remove infected fruit and mummies promptly

• Prune for air flow and remove dead/diseased limbs

• Sprays: Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus, Hi-Yield® Captan 50W Fungicide

• Natural fungicides: Monterey Liquid Copper Fungicide

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Black Rot & Frog-Eye Leaf Spot

Fungal disease favored by warm, wet weather.
Symptoms: Black/purple fruit spots with concentric rings; leaf spots with ‘frog-eye’ pattern; limb cankers.
Control:

• Site cleanup: Remove infected fruit and limbs

• Prune for air circulation

• Sprays: Hi-Yield® Captan 50W Fungicide, Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus

• Natural fungicides: Monterey Liquid Copper Fungicide

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Cedar Apple Rust

Fungus requiring both apple and cedar/juniper trees.
Symptoms: Yellow-orange spots with black centers on apple leaves; orange gelatinous galls on cedar in spring.
Control:

• Sprays: Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus, Ferti-lome® Triple Action, Natural Guard® Neem

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Additional Resources

Contact your local county Cooperative Extension for tailored advice and identification assistance.

Weeding and Vine Management for Sweet Potatoes

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Why Manage Sweet Potato Vines and Weeds?

Survival: Managing vines helps balance growth, directing energy to tuber development and preventing overcrowding.

Stimulation: Removing excess or damaged vines encourages healthy new growth and better airflow.

Shape & Structure: Proper vine management promotes a tidy growing area, reduces disease risk, and makes harvesting easier.

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Basic Vine Management Principles

• Manage vines throughout the growing season by trimming overly long or tangled vines to improve air circulation and light penetration.

• Remove damaged, diseased, or overcrowded vines promptly.

• Avoid heavy pruning; instead, snip selectively to maintain a healthy canopy and maximize tuber growth.

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Weeding Basics for Sweet Potatoes

• Keep planting beds free from weeds that compete for nutrients, water, and space.

• Regularly weed by hand or use shallow cultivation tools to avoid damaging shallow sweet potato roots.

• Apply organic mulch like straw or wood chips to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

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Seasonal Vine Management & Weeding Calendar

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Recommended Tools for Sweet Potato Care

• Hand Pruners or Garden Scissors: For trimming vines carefully without damaging main stems.

• Hand Weeder or Hoe: For shallow cultivation and precise weed removal around plants.

• Mulch Materials: Straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves to suppress weeds naturally.

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Vine and Weed Management Tips for Sweet Potatoes

Young Plants (First 2 Months):

• Focus on keeping soil weed-free and avoid disturbing roots during early vine establishment.

• Trim only damaged or diseased vines to encourage healthy growth.

Mature Vines:

• Prune excessively long or crossing vines to improve airflow and reduce pest/disease pressure.

• Maintain clear pathways by controlling weeds and trimming vines away from walkways.

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By regularly managing weeds and maintaining healthy vine growth, your sweet potatoes will develop stronger roots and yield larger, healthier tubers.

Pest and Disease Control for Sweet Potatoes: Effective Spraying Guidelines

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

To grow healthy sweet potatoes, it’s essential to understand the common pests and diseases affecting your crop in your area. Your local Cooperative Extension office, university agriculture sites, and experienced growers can offer valuable, region-specific advice. Staying proactive with a well-planned spraying schedule can prevent infestations and infections, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

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When to Spray Sweet Potatoes

• Pre-Planting or Early Growth: Prepare beds and protect young slips just after planting.

• Vegetative Growth: When vines are actively growing and pests begin to appear.

• Mid to Late Season: After vine growth is established but before tubers mature.

• Avoid spraying near harvest to prevent chemical residues on tubers.

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Common Sweet Potato Pests and Recommended Sprays

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Common Sweet Potato Diseases and Control Sprays

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Combination Sprays for Sweet Potato Pests & Diseases

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Tips for Effective Spraying on Sweet Potatoes

• Always follow label instructions for rates, timing, and safety precautions.

• Spray thoroughly to cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces, stems, and vines.

• Avoid spraying during extreme heat, drought, or wet conditions.

• Apply sprays when plants are dry and avoid irrigation immediately after.

• Test any new spray on a small area before widespread application to check for plant sensitivity.

• Use protective gear such as gloves and masks while applying chemicals.

• Allow time between spraying and harvest as per product guidelines to avoid residue.

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Final Note

Regular monitoring, early detection, and timely treatment are crucial to managing sweet potato pests and diseases. A consistent, integrated approach combining cultural care and appropriate sprays will help your sweet potatoes grow strong and yield a healthy, plentiful harvest.

Watering Sweet Potatoes

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Sweet potatoes generally thrive in well-drained soil with consistent moisture—but not waterlogged conditions. Unlike apple trees, sweet potatoes are more sensitive to both drought stress and overly wet soil, so finding the right watering balance is key to healthy root (tuber) development and vigorous vine growth.

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Watering Tips for Sweet Potatoes

• Establishment Phase: During the first 3 to 4 weeks after planting slips, keep the soil consistently moist to encourage strong root establishment. This might require supplemental watering if rainfall is light or irregular.

• Growing Season: Once established, sweet potatoes need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Deep, thorough watering encourages tubers to develop well underground. Use slow soak methods like drip irrigation or soaker hoses to moisten the root zone evenly without saturating the soil surface.

• Avoid Frequent Shallow Watering: Watering too often with small amounts encourages shallow roots and can increase vulnerability to drought stress. Instead, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather and soil type.

• Soil Drainage: Sweet potatoes dislike soggy soil. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot and disease. Ensure beds are well-drained, and avoid watering when soil is already wet.

• Mulching: Applying organic mulch around the vines helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds—reducing the frequency and amount of watering needed.

• Late Season: About 2-3 weeks before harvest, reduce watering gradually to allow tubers to mature and skin to toughen, which improves storage life.

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Additional Notes

• Using a soil amendment like 1st Choice Fertilizer can improve soil moisture retention and overall soil health, benefiting sweet potato growth.

• Always monitor soil moisture by checking a few inches below the surface—moist but not soggy is ideal.

• Be mindful of your local climate, soil type, and any water-use restrictions that may affect your watering schedule.

Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor: Sweet Potato Harvest and Storage

(From the “How to Grow Sweet Potatoes” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

After months of tending your sweet potatoes, the exciting moment finally arrives—harvest time! This is when all your hard work pays off. To maximize your yield and preserve your sweet potatoes well, it’s important to know when to harvest and how to store them properly.

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When Will My Sweet Potatoes Be Ready to Harvest?

Sweet potatoes are usually ready for harvest 90 to 120 days after planting slips, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The best indicator is when the vines start to yellow and die back naturally. This signals that the tubers have matured beneath the soil.

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How to Recognize Mature Sweet Potatoes

• Vines turning yellow and drying up are the clearest sign.

• The skins of mature tubers will be firm and less delicate—young tubers tend to have very thin skins that bruise easily.

• Avoid harvesting too early, as immature sweet potatoes may have poor storage quality and less sweetness.

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Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

• Harvest on a dry day to reduce the risk of rot.

• Gently dig around the base of the plant with a fork or shovel, being careful not to bruise or cut the tubers.

• Handle sweet potatoes carefully to avoid skin damage, which shortens storage life.

• Let harvested tubers dry on the soil surface for a few hours, then cure them in a warm, humid environment (about 85°F and 85-90% humidity) for 5-10 days to heal any small wounds and convert starches to sugars.

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How to Store Sweet Potatoes for Long-Term Use

Proper storage extends the shelf life and quality of your sweet potatoes:

• After curing, store in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place.

• Ideal storage temperature is 55°F to 60°F with moderate humidity (not too wet or dry).

• Avoid refrigeration, which can cause “chilling injury” and affect taste and texture.

• Keep tubers separated to prevent bruising and check regularly for any signs of spoilage.

• Stored properly, sweet potatoes can last for 3 to 6 months or longer.

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Whether you’re enjoying fresh sweet potatoes, roasting, baking, or preserving them for winter meals, following these harvest and storage tips will help you savor the fruits of your labor all season long.