At Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm, we’re passionate about helping you grow your own fresh, delicious sweet potatoes. These nutrient-packed root vegetables are a rewarding addition to any garden, and with the right care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Here’s our expert guide on how to grow sweet potatoes, from preparing slips to harvesting them at just the right time.

Why Learn How to Grow Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates and well-drained soil, making them a perfect crop for late spring and summer gardening. With full sun and regular care, you’ll have a harvest ready when the vines start to yellow. Let’s dive into the details!

1. Timing and Location

To get started, timing and location are key. At Boyert’s, we recommend planting sweet potato slips in late spring to early summer—ideally mid to late May or early June—after the last frost has passed. Sweet potatoes are frost-sensitive and need warm temperatures to grow strong.

• Sunlight: Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though 8-10 hours is even better.
• Soil: Sweet potatoes love well-drained, light soils like sandy loam or silt loam, with a slightly acidic pH.
• Climate: Ensure your garden offers the warm conditions these plants crave.

2. Preparing the Soil

Good soil prep sets the stage for healthy sweet potato growth. Here’s how we do it at Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm:

• Loosen the Soil: Dig down about 12 inches to break up compacted soil and boost drainage.
• Add Organic Matter: Mix in compost or other rich organic matter to enhance fertility and soil structure.
• Try Raised Beds: If your soil tends to hold water, raised beds are a great option to improve drainage and warm the soil faster.

3. Starting Sweet Potato Slips

Sweet potato slips are baby plants grown from a mature sweet potato, and they’re the starting point for your crop. You can purchase slips from a nursery or grow your own—here’s how:

• Water Method: Place a sweet potato in a container of water, leaving the top third exposed. Set it in a warm, sunny spot and wait for sprouts (slips) to emerge. Once they’re 4-6 inches long, they’re ready to plant!

4. Planting and Spacing

When your slips are ready and the weather is warm, it’s time to plant. At Boyert’s, we follow these spacing guidelines for the best results:

• Spacing: Plant slips 12 to 18 inches apart in rows spaced 36 to 48 inches apart.
• Planting Depth: Bury each slip up to its top leaves, gently firm the soil around it, and water thoroughly.

5. Care and Maintenance

Sweet potatoes need consistent care to thrive. Here’s how we keep them happy at Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm:

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but don’t overdo it—too much water can cause root rot.
• Weeding: Keep weeds in check to ensure your sweet potatoes aren’t competing for nutrients or water.
• Fertilizing: These plants are heavy feeders, so use a balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost for a nutrient boost.
• Pest and Disease Control: Watch for pests or signs of disease and address them promptly to protect your crop.

6. Harvesting and Storage

The reward comes when the vines start to yellow and the leaves die back—usually 85 to 120 days after planting. That’s when we know it’s time to harvest at Boyert’s!

• Harvesting: Carefully dig up your sweet potatoes, taking care not to bruise them. Shake off excess soil and store them in a warm, dry place.

Grow More With Us

Ready to expand your gardening skills? Now that you know how to grow sweet potatoes, check out our guide on how to grow asparagus at Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm. From planting to harvesting, we’ve got all the tips you need to enjoy another delicious, homegrown crop!

Final Thoughts

Growing sweet potatoes is a simple yet satisfying process. Start with quality slips, give them well-drained soil and plenty of sun, and water them consistently. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying homegrown sweet potatoes straight from your garden. Visit us at Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm for slips, supplies, and expert advice on how to grow sweet potatoes today!

Happy planting!

The Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm Team