The Sweet Potato Saga Part V (and finale!)

It’s weird that “planting day” would be a finale, because it’s really just the beginning. Accept it’s not. Because the beginning started 4 months ago. Growing the potatoes will be a cinch because I have the right set up for the job. We have the best raised beds at our home garden with the best soil that I’ve built using all my trade secrets gained through the years. (Want your own? It all starts with the consult.)

So here we are in mid-April. Now our potato slips have nice roots so I will gently untangle them and place them into little holes I made in the soil. They are in deep beds next to a trellis I will train them up as they grow. Vertical strategies are a great way to get the most out of your limited growing space. I have less than 100 square feet of gardens and I can grow a ton by using vertical supports. These vines will be beautiful when they are finally growing full and lush. And a bonus - they love the summer heat! So when your tomatoes and peppers are looking pitiful in blazing upper 90s + days, these vines will be working their magic. I’m sure later in the summer I will provide more updates of their growth and harvesting, especially if you follow me on social media. So be sure to do that.

You may also notice the leaves look pretty yellow. This is from being in the water too long. There comes a point in a young seedling’s life when water just isn’t enough. The yellow is from lack of nutrients. So they need soil. Luckily my soil is a custom blend of top quality goodness that I almost have to do nothing to and it fills the plants up. They will be fine.

This is another lesson though. Perhaps January was too early. I think, ideally, (maybe if I repeat next year?) I would start the slips in mid-to-late February to plant out in late April.

If you enjoy cooking with sweet potatoes, maybe you will try to grow your own next winter!

Thanks for following along!