If you've ever thought about growing sweet potatoes at home to enjoy a delicious, nutrient-rich tuber that also looks great in any urban garden, you've come to the right place. Dedicating a small corner of your garden, terrace, or even a balcony to this crop can be not only simple but also surprisingly productive. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or already have experience growing other vegetables: Sweet potato adapts well to different conditions and its growing cycle is quite grateful to those who dedicate a little care to it.
In this article, you will discover How to plant sweet potatoes and enjoy the harvest at home Step by step, taking advantage of all the tips and tricks of expert horticulturists. From preparing the substrate, obtaining cuttings or seedlings, transplanting, watering, and maintenance, to harvesting and preserving. You'll even learn how to use both the tuber and the leaves, and identify the key factors that make growing them a family or community experience.
Characteristics and benefits of sweet potatoes
Sweet potato, also known as yam, camote or sweet potato, is a tuber of American origin which has traveled around the world for centuries due to its sweet taste, smooth texture and nutritional value. Its cultivation is so adapted to the Mediterranean climate and temperate zones that having your own harvest is easier than you imagine.. Its edible root can weigh from just 200 grams to over 2 kg., depending on the variety and the care it receives. The heart-shaped, light green leaves are also edible. They can be prepared like chard or spinach, adding versatility to this interesting crop.
As for consumption, sweet potatoes can be eaten roasted, boiled, steamed, fried, and even raw in some recipes. It is an excellent alternative to potatoes, in as much as provides a large amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber, in addition to complex carbohydrates, ideal for those seeking energy and health in their daily diet.
Varieties and optimal time for cultivation
There are several sweet potato varieties, among which the Beauregard and Hernandez stand out, well known for their adaptation to warm and temperate climates. It's always a good idea to check availability at your local nursery and ask which one is best suited to your region. For more information on different types, you can visit our section. types of tubers.
La best time to plant sweet potatoes It's spring, when there's no longer a risk of frost and the soil begins to warm up. It's important to remember that the entire cycle, from planting to harvesting, typically takes between 5 and 6 months, so planting in spring ensures a harvest in autumn, just before the arrival of intense cold.
How to obtain sweet potato cuttings or seedlings
Sweet potatoes are not planted from seeds, but from cuttings or sprouts that emerge from a mature tuber. To grow them yourself, follow these methods:
- Germination in water: Place a whole or halved sweet potato in a jar of water, vertically or horizontally. After a few days, roots and stems will begin to sprout. This technique is educational and visually appealing, ideal if you want to see the first roots grow.
- With coconut fiber: You can cut the sweet potato in half and place it on moistened coconut fiber. In a few weeks, you'll see cuttings ready to transplant, well-rooted and with several leaves.
After about 30 days, the sprouts should have 6 to 10 leaves and roots measuring about 25-30 cm in length (about the thickness of a pencil). Separate them carefully and leave them for a few more days to develop strong roots before transplanting.
Soil preparation and container selection
Soil is a key factor for crop success. Sweet potatoes prefer soils light, deep and well-drainedIt tolerates a variety of conditions, but best results are obtained in slightly sandy, loose, potassium-rich soils that promote tuber development.
An excellent option for growing at home is to use a mixture of garden soil, sand, and compost, always ensuring good drainage to avoid waterlogging. If you're planting in pots, grow bags, or wooden boxes, make sure they're deep enough (at least 30 cm) and have holes to drain excess water.
Avoid soils that are too nitrogenous, as this encourages excessive leaf growth to the detriment of tubers. You can improve potassium levels with wood ashes.
Sowing: How and When to Plant It
When the cuttings already have well-developed roots and several leaves, it is time to transplant them outside or to their final container. Leave a space of about 30-40 cm between plants and between 80 and 100 cm between rows in the ground. In deep pots, plant in a triangle, respecting these spaces.
For long cuttings, plant the stem horizontally in a small trench 2-3 cm deep, covering the nodes to encourage the formation of new tubers.
After planting, water abundantly so that the roots can settle and keep the substrate moist during the first few days without flooding.
Crop care and maintenance
Sweet potato is a hardy plant but requires certain care that will optimize the harvest:
- Light: It needs a lot of light and tolerates direct sunlight, promoting the development and thickening of the tubers.
- Irrigation: Keep the substrate moist, especially in the early stages and before harvest, without overwatering. Weekly watering is usually sufficient, and drip irrigation is recommended for home gardens.
- Shoot pruning: When they reach about 10 cm, you can prune the tips to encourage lateral growth and more tubers.
- Regular subscriber: Add organic fertilizer once a month (such as compost or worm castings), avoiding excess nitrogen.
- Weed removal: Keep the area clean to facilitate development and avoid competition for nutrients.
Diseases, pests and recommended associations
Sweet potatoes can be affected by pests and diseases, although they are not usually very susceptible. The most common are:
- Wire worm
- Black donut
- Nematodes
- Aphids and viruses
Regularly inspect your plants to detect problems early and use ecological methods. You can combine them with fast-growing crops like radishes and arugula to maximize the space while your sweet potatoes grow. For more details on pests, visit pests that attack sweet potatoes.
Harvesting and preserving sweet potatoes
La Harvest usually occurs between 5 and 6 months after sowing, in the fall. The key to knowing when it's time is yellowing and wilting of leavesAfter cutting off the aerial parts, let the tubers dry in the soil for a few more days.
Carefully remove the sweet potatoes, let them air dry for 4-5 days, and store them in a cool, well-ventilated place with approximately 85% humidity. Avoid storing them in temperatures below 12°C, as this can impair their quality and promote the development of disease.
It is also advisable to leave them in the sun for a few hours and store them on straw or cardboard to prolong their preservation.
Culinary uses and exploitation of the plant
Sweet potatoes are very versatile in the kitchen. You can eat them roasted, in creamed soups, purées, fried, in stews, pies, and sweet recipes. The young leaves, as long as they are green and healthy, can be boiled like spinach, allowing you to use the entire plant.
Due to its sweet flavor and high nutritional value, it's a healthy alternative to potatoes and a perfect source of energy for a balanced diet. To learn more about growing sweet potatoes, you can visit how sweet potatoes are grown.
Growing sweet potatoes at home promotes a simple, multi-benefit cycle, allowing you to enjoy your own harvest and add flavor and value to your garden.