Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in your own garden. Covington is a short season sweet potato that does well in our area.

Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil. Before planting, it's important to prepare the soil properly. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the planting area. Then, loosen the soil using a garden fork or tiller.

Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve the soil's fertility and drainage. Sweet potatoes also benefit from a slightly acidic soil pH, ideally around 5.8 to 6.2. Alternatively, sweet potatoes can be grown in a container in good quality potting mix. 

 Plant 12-18 inches apart. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Sweet potatoes require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow or die back. Carefully dig up the tubers using a garden fork or shovel, being careful not to damage them. If they are planted in a container, trim the foliage back, allow to cure for awhile and store the entire container in cold storage allowing the soil to dry out.  Letting the harvested sweet potatoes cure in a warm, dry place for about 10 to 14 days, helps to sweeten the flavor and improve their storage life.

Store the cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. They can last for several months if stored properly. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can negatively affect their taste, texture and storage times.