Soil Bags for Sweet Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Harvest Guide
Harvesting sweet potatoes has never been easier or more space-efficient than with soil bags.
Here, you can learn how this method allows for ample yields even in compact areas.
Then, you should follow these steps to cultivate and harvest sweet potatoes that are both delicious and abundant.
Time And Location To Grow
Choosing the correct time and location is essential for growing sweet potatoes successfully.
They need warm conditions and at least 6-8 hours of daily sunlight, so pick a sunny spot in your garden or on your balcony.
Plant sweet potatoes after the last frost, typically in late spring or early summer, once the soil has warmed up and there's no risk of frost.
Make sure to confirm the frost dates specific to your local climate before planting.
Preparing The Soil Bag
Choosing a large, robust soil bag or container for your sweet potatoes ensures that it can hold 20-30 gallons to accommodate their spreading roots.
Verify that the bag has drainage holes to avoid waterlogged soil.
Then, opt for a high-quality potting mix or prepare your own by combining garden soil, compost, and sand for good drainage and slight acidity.
Fill the bag one-third full and water thoroughly to achieve evenly moist soil without making it soggy.
Planting Sweet Potatoes In Soil Bags
Let's prepare your sweet potato slips or vine cuttings, which are the young plants that will develop into your crop.
Plant them 3-4 inches deep in the soil, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
Since sweet potato vines tend to spread widely, ensure they have enough space to grow.
Taking Care Of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are relatively easy to care for but benefit from consistent attention.
They need at least 1 inch of water per week, particularly during peak summer.
To avoid skin cracking, which affects storage, reduce watering 2 to 3 weeks before harvesting.
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, avoiding nitrogen-heavy options that inhibit root development.
Consider using organic options like seaweed fertilizer, which can be mixed with water and added to your potting soil monthly.
Harvesting
Sweet potatoes are usually ready for harvest 3-4 months after planting, typically in the fall.
Carefully dig around the base of the plant to avoid damaging the tubers as you unearth them.
After harvesting, cure your sweet potatoes in a warm, dry place (around 80-85°F or 27-29°C) for 10-14 days to enhance their flavor and sweetness.
Then, store them in a cool, dark place to enjoy your homegrown sweet potatoes throughout the year.