Where to Purchase Sweet Potato Plants?
Sweet potato plants can be purchased from a variety of sources including local nurseries, online retailers, and farmers’ markets. Choosing the right vendor ensures you get healthy slips (the sprouts that grow into plants) and the best start for a bountiful harvest.
Introduction to Sweet Potato Planting
Sweet potatoes, with their vibrant flesh and sweet flavor, are a delightful addition to any garden. Unlike many other vegetables, sweet potatoes are not grown from seeds, but from slips – sprouts that emerge from the mature sweet potato tubers. Finding the right source for these slips is crucial for a successful harvest. Knowing where to purchase sweet potato plants, whether locally or online, allows you to get your garden started on the right foot.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Sweet Potatoes
Growing your own sweet potatoes offers numerous advantages beyond simply enjoying their delicious taste.
- Freshness: Homegrown sweet potatoes are as fresh as they can be, harvested right before you cook or store them.
- Variety: You can grow varieties not typically available in stores.
- Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Sustainability: Reduces your carbon footprint by sourcing locally.
- Cost Savings: Over time, growing your own can save money compared to buying from the grocery store.
- Organic Growing: You have complete control over pesticides and fertilizers.
Preparing to Purchase Sweet Potato Plants
Before purchasing sweet potato plants (slips), preparation is key. Consider these factors:
- Variety Selection: Research different varieties to match your climate and taste preferences. Popular choices include Beauregard, Covington, and Georgia Jet.
- Planting Zone: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates. Know your planting zone to determine the appropriate planting time.
- Soil Preparation: Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil. Amend your soil with compost and other organic matter.
- Sunlight: Sweet potatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Space Requirements: Each plant needs sufficient space to spread out, usually around 12 inches apart.
Where to Buy Sweet Potato Slips
Finding a reliable source for your sweet potato slips is essential. Here are some common options:
- Local Nurseries: These offer the advantage of inspecting the slips before buying and getting advice from experienced staff.
- Farmers’ Markets: Often feature locally grown slips, supporting regional agriculture.
- Online Retailers: Offer a wider selection of varieties, but require careful selection to ensure quality. Look for reputable companies with guarantees.
- Cooperative Extension Offices: May offer workshops or resources for obtaining slips.
- Seed Companies: Some seed companies also sell sweet potato slips or even the whole sweet potato which you can “slip” yourself.
The Process of “Slipping” Your Own Sweet Potatoes
“Slipping” is the process of sprouting sweet potato plants (slips) from mature sweet potatoes. This is a budget-friendly way to obtain slips.
- Select Healthy Tubers: Choose firm, disease-free sweet potatoes.
- Submerge the Bottom Half: Partially submerge the sweet potato in a container of water, supported by toothpicks or a similar structure.
- Provide Warmth and Light: Place the container in a warm, sunny location.
- Wait for Sprouts: In a few weeks, sprouts (slips) will emerge.
- Harvest the Slips: Once the slips are 6-8 inches long, gently twist or cut them off the sweet potato.
- Root the Slips: Place the slips in a glass of water to develop roots.
- Plant the Slips: Once the roots are established, plant the slips in your garden.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced gardeners can encounter challenges growing sweet potatoes. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Planting Too Early: Wait until the soil is warm (above 65°F) to plant.
- Poor Soil Drainage: Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Insufficient Sunlight: Ensure the plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Overwatering: Sweet potatoes are relatively drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, especially early in the season.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Amend the soil with compost and consider a balanced fertilizer.
- Pest and Disease Problems: Monitor plants regularly and address issues promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key things to look for when selecting sweet potato slips?
When choosing sweet potato slips, look for healthy green leaves, strong stems, and a well-developed root system. Avoid slips that are yellowed, wilted, or have signs of disease or pests. The roots should be vibrant and white, not dark or mushy.
How do I know which sweet potato variety is right for my garden?
Consider your climate, soil type, and personal preferences. Some varieties, like Beauregard, are widely adaptable, while others may be better suited for specific regions. Read variety descriptions carefully and consult with local nurseries for recommendations. Look at days to maturity as well.
Is it better to buy slips or grow my own from sweet potatoes?
Buying slips is generally more convenient, especially if you want specific varieties. Growing your own is more budget-friendly but takes more time and effort. You also may not be able to find the variety you wish to grow at the grocery store. Ultimately, it depends on your resources and preferences.
When is the best time to plant sweet potato slips?
The best time to plant sweet potato slips is after the last frost when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). Check your local frost dates and soil temperature guidelines for the most accurate timing.
How far apart should I plant sweet potato slips?
Sweet potato slips should be planted 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This allows the plants enough space to spread out and develop healthy tubers.
Do sweet potatoes need a lot of fertilizer?
Sweet potatoes don’t need excessive fertilization. Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive vine growth and reduced tuber production. Amend the soil with compost before planting and consider a balanced fertilizer, if needed.
How often should I water sweet potato plants?
Water sweet potato plants regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help them establish. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant and only need watering during extended dry periods.
What are some common pests and diseases that affect sweet potatoes?
Common pests include sweet potato weevils, flea beetles, and aphids. Diseases can include stem rot, black rot, and scurf. Monitor plants regularly and address problems promptly with appropriate organic or conventional methods.
How long does it take for sweet potatoes to mature?
Sweet potatoes typically take 90-120 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the vines start to yellow and die back and before the first frost. You can also dig up a few plants to check the size and maturity of the tubers.
How should I store sweet potatoes after harvesting?
Cure sweet potatoes for 7-10 days at 80-85°F (27-29°C) and high humidity to help them heal and develop their flavor. After curing, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place (55-60°F) for several months.
Can I save slips from my own sweet potato harvest for the next year?
Yes, you can save slips from your own sweet potato harvest. Select healthy, disease-free tubers and follow the “slipping” process described earlier in this article. This allows you to propagate your favorite varieties year after year.