1. Start with Slips, Not Seeds

Sweet potatoes are grown from *slips* (sprouted shoots), not seeds.
You can buy slips online, at nurseries, or grow your own by sprouting a sweet potato in water or soil.

2. Choose the Right Spot

Full sun (at least 6–8 hours/day).
Warm soil is essential—sweet potatoes hate cold soil.

3. Soil Requirements

Loose, well-draining, slightly sandy soil works best.
Aim for pH between 5.8–6.5.
Avoid heavy clay (tubers will be small and misshapen).
Add compost, but don’t overdo nitrogen (too many leaves, fewer roots).

4. Planting Technique

Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Space slips 12–18 inches apart, rows 3 feet apart (they vine out).
Bury the slip halfway (2-3 nodes underground).

5. Watering

Keep soil moist (not soaked) while slips establish.
Once growing, water deeply once per week.
Reduce watering 2–3 weeks before harvest to prevent splitting.

6. Weed & Mulch

Mulch helps retain moisture, prevents weeds, and warms the soil.
Weed before planting and throughout the season, if needed – sweet potato vines provide great ground cover.

7. Harvest Time

Ready in 90–120 days, or when leaves start yellowing.
Dig carefully to avoid damaging tubers.

8. Curing for Sweetness

Cure tubers at 80–85°F, 85–90% humidity, for 7–14 days.
This improves sweetness and storage life.

Nutritional Value

Sweet potatoes are considered a super food because they are:

High in beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
Good source of Vitamin C & B6
Rich in fiber, potassium, manganese
Low in fat and cholesterol-free

Great for:

Eye health
Immune system
Digestive health
Blood sugar regulation (especially orange and purple varieties)

Culinary Value

Extremely versatile:

Baked, roasted, fried, mashed
Soups & stews
Desserts (pies, breads, muffins)
Leaves are edible too (like spinach)

Economic Value

Produces a high yield per square foot.
Stores for months without refrigeration (after curing).
Market demand is strong due to health-food popularity.

Gardening Value

Attractive vines (also ornamental).
Drought-tolerant once established.
Improves soil structure due to deep roots.

Beauregard – fast, reliable, high yields
Georgia Jet – good for shorter seasons
Jewel – great flavor, stores well
Japanese (Murasaki) – dry, nutty, purple skin
Hannah – white flesh, mild flavor

Beauregard Sweet Potato Slip for Planting Available on Amazon

Centennial Sweet Potato Plants/Slips Available on Amazon

Red Garnet Sweet Potato Slips for Growing Available on Amazon

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