Sweet Potatoes in containers test

[Rajun Gardener]

I'll call it a success but I need to change a few things next year.

This spring when it was time to plant the garden was soaked so I tried some in a container to see if it was worth the effort. I'm surprised they did this good considering too much rain washed out the fertilizer and then the drought we went through. I didn't help either by not watering or fertilizing them like I should have. I think they would still be growing if I paid more attention to them.

Next year I want to use real soil mixed with potting soil and maybe perlite to allow drainage. Fill the containers up to the top to have more room for roots. Fertilize and water regularly.

[gdaddybill]

And no weevils!!!

[GrowingCoastal]

Nice! Wish they would grow like that up here.

[oakley]

Cool, so there is hope for mine. I've not looked. Just assumed
they were rogue being so scraggly.

You can clip some cuttings and keep them going/overwinter
indoors, or so I've heard...my first attempt growing them this
year.

[rdback]

Nice. So it can be done!

[Worth1]

How big were the potatoes?
Worth

[Rajun Gardener]

Not big enough but that's my fault. It was 4lbs.

[Carolyn506]

How big are the growing containers?

[nancyruhl]

I tried growing them in grow bags this season. They weren't as hard to get out and not as distorted as when I used hard sided containers. They were on the gutter garden, so had all the water they wanted. The biggest one weighed 1 lb 6 oz.

[Rajun Gardener]

Those blue containers are about 18 gallons. I'm using old cattle protein tubs farmers use. They're heavy duty so if you can find some they should last for years.

[Rockporter]

When do you plant sweet potatoes and can I buy some slips ready to plant somewhere?

[Rajun Gardener]

I plant in late April just to make sure we don't have any frost and to let the soil warm up some. You can buy plants but it's easy to start slips yourself and there's plenty of time to get them going.

https://tatorman.com/index.php/produ...ry/beauregard/

[oakley]

Yes, easy to start from store bought. I purchased three varieties
of organic, ate 2/3rds of each, then tooth-picked the top 3rd from
each....the cut end into water. Some lay a cut whole half lengthways into
water. They sprouted easily. Many methods. Just need to change to
fresh water often...every few days. Start more than you need. Average
one in 5 will rot. Easily 5-15 plants/cuttings from each.

Lots of info if you google.

This past season was my first try so I did not want to use too much
garden space being in such a short NEast growing season. If it worked
for me it would certainly work in Texas. Mine grew more fingerling size.
Like a fat carrot and 6-8 inches. Still worth it.

2081 I'll have to pot up mine in April-May so they get a head start while
waiting for warm soil.

[Worth1]

I just put mine in a container of soil with about half of them sticking out and collect the slips as they grow.
Treat it like a house plant.

Worth

[oakley]

Originally Posted by Worth1

I just put mine in a container of soil with about half of them sticking out and collect the slips as they grow.
Treat it like a house plant.

Worth

Yes, and quite pretty.
I had no idea what I was doing and surprised to see sprouts
popping out everywhere. Unlike potatoes that have pretty clear
'eyes'. In soil I suppose they need to be kept very wet or always
at least damp. Since the water glass method is, well, wet.

I got spooked about a fungus gnat problem so I went with the
water method and I could keep an eye on them for rot. Seems
most pros with a good size family plot use the soil method in a
bin along with other veg starts under lights.

Also did not know sweet potatoes are in the morning glory family
and not a nightshade like potatoes.