Growing sweet potatoes from scraps is a fun and rewarding gardening project. It’s a great way to make use of leftover sweet potato scraps and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food. In this guide, I will take you through the step-by-step process of growing sweet potatoes from scraps.
1. Selecting the Sweet Potato: Start by choosing a healthy sweet potato. Look for one that is firm and free from any signs of rot or disease. Organic sweet potatoes are preferable as they are less likely to have been treated with chemicals.
2. Preparing the Potato: Cut the sweet potato into several pieces, making sure each section has one or two eyes. The eyes are small indentations or spots on the surface of the sweet potato, from where the new growth will emerge. It’s essential to have at least one eye per section for successful growth.
3. Curing the Cuttings (optional): Although not necessary, curing the cuttings for a few days can help prevent rotting and promote faster root development. To cure the cuttings, place them in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about a week. This allows the cut surfaces to heal and form a callus, reducing the risk of rotting when planted.
4. Planting the Cuttings: Fill a well-drained pot or container with a suitable potting mix. Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Plant the cuttings with the eyes facing upwards, burying them about 2-3 inches deep in the soil. Space the cuttings at least 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.
5. Watering and Care: After planting, water the cuttings thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Sweet potatoes prefer consistent moisture, so regular watering is essential. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Watering deeply once or twice a week should be sufficient, depending on your climate.
6. Providing Optimal Growing Conditions: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates and require full sun to grow well. Place the pot or container in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a cooler region, consider using a grow light to supplement sunlight and provide the necessary warmth.
7. Fertilizing: Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost to provide essential nutrients. Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions or incorporate compost into the soil before planting. Additionally, you can also use a liquid fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy foliage and tuber development.
8. Managing Growth: As the sweet potato plants grow, they will produce sprawling vines. It’s important to provide support or trellising for the vines to prevent them from trailing on the ground, which can lead to pest and disease issues. You can use stakes or trellises to train the vines upwards, allowing for better air circulation and easier harvest.
9. Harvesting: Sweet potatoes take around three to four months to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The foliage will start to yellow and wither, indicating that the tubers are ready for harvest. Carefully dig around the base of the plant and gently lift the tubers from the soil. Be cautious not to damage them during the harvesting process.
10. Curing and Storing: After harvesting, sweet potatoes need to be cured and stored properly to extend their shelf life. Cure the tubers by placing them in a warm, humid area (around 85-90°F) for about 10-14 days. This process allows the skins to toughen and the flavors to develop. Once cured, store the sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, ideally between 55-60°F with a humidity level of 75-80%.
Growing sweet potatoes from scraps can be a fun and fruitful experience. By following these steps and providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown sweet potatoes. Remember to experiment with different varieties and techniques to find what works best for you and your garden. Happy gardening!
