I just picked up a 6 pack from the nursery, I know nothing about growing sweet potatoes.
How much room do they take?
As they grow do you mound them with straw like other potatoes?
Do they spread like melons or are they fairly compact?
The package says plant 12 in. apart, nothing more... just plant 12 inches apart and wait (well I added the wait part).
Help! We love Sweet Potatoes and would really enjoy a successful crop.
Cheers
Dove
I need Sweet Potato Growing Tips
That is about it. They do like soft soil, so a list is usually beneficial. ( Select row, pull dirt up to make a ridge two to three inches high and 12- 15 inches wide. Set the sweet potatoes along the ridge (list). Bush cultivars run three -four feet, vining cultivars can go 10-12 feet. Keep the weeds down until the vines cover the ground. Dig just before the first frost. Sweet potatoes are speciallized morning glories, not remotely connected to Irish potatoes. They will grow anywhere a morning glory will. Very carefree plant except for deer and rabbits which also love them.
What's a list?
"( Select row, pull dirt up to make a ridge two to three inches high and 12- 15 inches wide.)" a list is a long continuous hill or ridge. It does not have to be very high above the surrounding soil, but it keeps the soil soft and well drained.
Do you plant in the center of the list?
I have Beauregard sweet potatoes.
Think of it as an inverted row. same principles apply. Beauregards have pretty good vines. You wiil need 3 ft min between the list and the next row.
Farmerdill,
I really appreciate all your help.
Do you think a 10X10 square is large enough for 6 plants?
That 10x 10 square is about right. If your soil is clayey, I would list the ridge higher than where the soil is sandy..........10 inches is great. Water well to establish the plants.
We do have clay soil, but the garden has been amended with Com-Til, compost and horse manure.