1. When to Plant

The best time to plant sweet potatoes is about 2 to 3 weeks after your last anticipated frost of the season. They do best when overnight lows don't dip below 50 degrees. They love the heat, so the warmer the better.

2. Where to Plant

Plant in nutrient rich soil that drains well, such as raised beds or large containers. Sweet potatoes grow well in the ground too if you have the space. Sweet potatoes need 8-10 hrs of direct sunlight and a large space to grow in. A 4ft x 4ft area or larger is best, or multiple large containers.

3. How to Plant

Sweet potatoes are large plants that take a long time to grow to maturity and produce potatoes. You can buy sweet potato slips from an online nursery or start your own from sweet potatoes you buy at the store. Space slips at least 12" apart from each other.

4. When to Harvest

You can begin to harvest sweet potatoes anywhere from 85-120 days after planting. Look for yellowing leaves that are dying back as a sign they are ready to harvest.

5. How to Harvest

Sweep the vines to the side so that you can see the base of the plant. Use a hori hori, a small shovel, or a digging fork, if you have one, to dig down about 12″ to 18″ away from the base of each plant. Pull potatoes out gently and allow to cure in a warm, humid room for a couiple weeks.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GROWING SWEET POTATOES BY SWIPING UP BELOW