Growing sweet potatoes in soil bags is a convenient and productive method, especially for gardeners with limited space or poor soil quality. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Sweet Potato Slips: You can either purchase slips or grow them from grocery store sweet potatoes. Each slip should be about 6-12 inches long with a few leaves.
- Choose the Right Bags: Opt for large, sturdy bags or containers that can hold at least 20-30 gallons of soil. Ensure they have proper drainage holes.
- Fill Bags with Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix or a combination of garden soil and compost. Leave about 3-4 inches of space at the top for planting.
- Plant the Slips: Plant each sweet potato slip about 2-3 inches deep in the bag, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. This gives room for vines to spread and tubers to grow.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced organic fertilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions. Reapply when vines start to develop and throughout the growing season.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. A drip irrigation system or soaker hose can be helpful for consistent watering.
- Sunlight: Place bags in a location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Sweet potatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
- Vine Training (Optional): Use stakes or a trellis to support and manage vine growth, especially in limited spaces.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch like straw, leaves, or grass clippings around the plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Harvesting: Sweet potatoes are generally ready to harvest in 3-4 months, depending on the variety and conditions. Harvest when leaves begin to yellow and die back.
- Curing and Storage: After harvesting, cure sweet potatoes in a warm, humid place for 10-14 days to enhance flavor and heal minor injuries. Then store them in a cool, dark place.
This method is particularly advantageous for those who might not have traditional garden space, as it allows for control over the soil quality and is a space-efficient way to grow sweet potatoes. With proper care, you can expect a good yield of sweet potatoes from each bag
Thanks for the information
Glad you like it Philip!