How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers: Best Method

Growing sweet potatoes in containers is a fantastic way to enjoy this nutritious and versatile vegetable, even if you have limited space or a small garden. Sweet potatoes thrive in warm climates and well-draining soil, and by using containers, you can control the growing conditions and avoid the need for large garden beds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best method for growing sweet potatoes in containers and help you achieve a bountiful harvest.

Materials Needed:

Container: A large container with a minimum of 15-20 gallons in size (a large pot, tub, or even a trash can with drainage holes works well).
Sweet Potato Slips: These are sprouted shoots from a mature sweet potato.
Potting Mix: Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil.
Compost or Organic Matter: To enrich the soil with essential nutrients.
Watering Can: For regular watering.
Fertilizer: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost.
Support Structure: A trellis or stake for vine support (optional).

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes in Containers

1. Choose the Right Container

Select a large container that’s at least 15-20 gallons in size. Sweet potatoes need room for their extensive root systems, and a container of this size will provide ample space for the roots to spread out. Ensure that your container has good drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot.

2. Prepare the Soil

Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare the right soil for your container:

Soil Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix that’s designed for vegetables. You can mix it with compost or organic matter (such as well-rotted manure or leaf mold) to improve soil fertility and drainage.
pH Level: Sweet potatoes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH of around 5.8 to 6.2. You can test your soil and amend it accordingly if needed.

3. Choose and Prepare Your Sweet Potato Slips

Sweet potato slips are the young shoots that sprout from a mature sweet potato. You can grow slips from store-bought sweet potatoes or buy them from a nursery. Here’s how to grow slips:

Growing Slips: Place a whole, healthy sweet potato in a container of water (with half of the sweet potato submerged). You’ll start to see shoots sprout from the potato in 1-2 weeks.
Selecting Slips: Once the slips have grown to about 4-6 inches long, carefully twist them off the sweet potato and allow them to root in water for a few more days.

4. Plant the Slips in the Container

Once the slips are ready, it’s time to plant them in the container:

Depth: Plant each slip about 4 inches deep into the prepared soil. Space the slips 12-18 inches apart to allow enough room for the vines to spread and grow.
Orientation: Ensure that the root end of the slip is facing down and the leaf end is exposed above the soil.

5. Watering and Fertilizing

Sweet potatoes require consistent moisture to grow well, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. Here’s how to manage watering and fertilizing:

Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not soaking. Once the plants are established, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause diseases.
Fertilizing: Fertilize your sweet potato plants with a balanced fertilizer or organic compost every 4-6 weeks. Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders, so providing them with sufficient nutrients will promote strong vine and root growth.

6. Provide Support for Vines

Sweet potato plants send out long, sprawling vines that can take up a lot of space. To keep your container garden neat and help the vines grow efficiently:

Trellis or Stakes: Set up a trellis or stakes in your container to support the vines as they grow. This will help keep the plant upright and make harvesting easier.
Training the Vines: Gently guide the vines along the support structure, allowing them to spread out as needed. You can also let the vines trail along the ground if space allows.

7. Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes take about 3-4 months to grow, depending on the variety and the climate. Here’s how to know when they’re ready for harvest:

Signs of Maturity: When the leaves start to yellow and die back in late summer or fall, it’s a sign that the sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested.
Harvesting: Gently dig around the base of the plant to uncover the sweet potatoes. Use a shovel or hand fork to carefully lift the sweet potatoes out of the soil, taking care not to damage them.
Curing: After harvesting, allow the sweet potatoes to cure in a warm, dry area for 10-14 days. This will help them develop their full flavor and increase their shelf life.

8. Storing and Enjoying Your Harvest

After curing, your sweet potatoes are ready to be enjoyed! Here’s how to store and use them:

Storage: Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place (ideally around 55-60°F or 13-15°C). They can be stored for several months if kept in the right conditions.
Cooking: Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be baked, roasted, mashed, or used in a variety of dishes like casseroles, pies, and soups.

Tips for Success

Temperature: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). If you live in a colder climate, consider growing your sweet potatoes indoors or on a balcony where you can provide warmth and light.
Sunlight: Ensure your container gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. If growing indoors, use grow lights to supplement natural light.
Soil Health: Keep your soil healthy by regularly adding organic matter like compost or mulch. This will help retain moisture and improve nutrient content.

Conclusion

Growing sweet potatoes in containers is an enjoyable and rewarding way to harvest this nutritious vegetable at home. Whether you’re growing them on your balcony, patio, or in your backyard, container gardening makes it possible to grow sweet potatoes in small spaces. By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown sweet potatoes throughout the season!