So, growing sweet potatoes is pretty straightforward, right? But knowing the exact time to dig them up? That’s where it can get a bit tricky. As late summer heat starts cranking up, a few garden champs like okra and lima beans keep us busy. They’re relentless! But sweet potatoes? They’re the buried treasure that keeps us guessing.
It’s like, how do you know when they’re ready? There are some signs, sure, but they don’t always show up the same way everywhere. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Whether you’re into those tasty leaves in summer or you’re eyeing those big roots for some epic fries, there’s a perfect moment for each.
In this guide, I’ll help you figure out when to harvest your sweet potatoes, the best ways to dig them up without turning them into mush, how to cure them (it’s easier than it sounds!), and how to store them so they last all winter. Let’s get those sweet potatoes from the garden to your plate!
Why Timing Your Sweet Potato Harvest is Key
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting sweet potatoes, and getting it right can make all the difference between a so-so crop and a bumper harvest. If you harvest them too early, the roots might be small, underdeveloped, and not as sweet or tasty as they could be. They generally need about 90 to 120 days to fully mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Plus, the skins will be more delicate, making them trickier to cure and store.
But don’t worry if you accidentally dig them up a bit early—they’re still perfectly edible! They might not be as delicious as you’d like, but they’ll still do the job. And if frost is looming on the horizon, it’s definitely better to harvest early than to risk the cold damaging your crop.
On the flip side, once they’re mature, leaving sweet potatoes in the ground for a little extra time can lead to bigger tubers, which is great if you’re aiming for a more substantial harvest. Just be sure to get them out before the frost hits, as cold weather can be a real spoiler. So, if you want your sweet potatoes to be the talk of the dinner table, keeping an eye on the calendar and the weather is key!
When To Harvest Sweet Potatoes
Harvesting sweet potatoes can be tricky because the edible part of the plant is underground. Knowing the right times and signs to harvest can make a huge difference in the quality and quantity of your yield. Let’s dive into the key times you should be looking to dig up those root treasures.
Summertime Harvesting of Leaves
Harvesting sweet potato leaves in the summer has its perks. The leaves, which are a bit bitter like turnip greens, are packed with nutrients. By picking them when they’re fresh and green, you ensure a continual bounty. This early harvest helps thin out dense foliage, allowing sunlight to reach the soil—boosting overall root growth. Plus, it’s a double-harvest win! You get to enjoy tasty greens and still let the roots develop beneath the soil.
Harvesting Right-Sized Roots
There’s no strict rule here; it’s all about your preference. Begin checking the roots a few weeks after planting. If you enjoy smaller, fingerling-sized sweet potatoes for roasting, you can harvest them early. For those who crave chunky sweet potato fries, let them grow larger. But beware! Overgrown roots can split, leading to quicker spoilage. Gently dig around the plant to inspect root size, without causing too much disturbance, especially if you’re letting others mature.
Understanding Maturity Date
Each sweet potato variety has its own maturity date, typically between 85-120 days. Track this by marking the calendar when you plant. When the time arrives, it’s a reliable indicator that your potatoes are likely ready. Varieties labeled with shorter maturity dates might be ideal for those growing in shorter-season climates. Always check the plant label to know what to expect for your specific variety.
When Foliage Turns Yellow
Yellowing leaf tips are a clear sign your sweet potatoes are nearing harvest time. This usually happens a couple of weeks before the first frost in cooler climates. For those in USDA zones 9-11, where it’s warmer, you might not see yellow tips. This yellowing is your plant’s response to the cooling temperatures of fall. If you see this happening, start digging as the plant is basically sending a signal that it’s time to collect your bounty.
Harvesting Before First Frost
Timing your harvest before the first frost is crucial. Once frost hits, the leaves die back rapidly and decay can reach the roots, causing them to rot within a week. In colder areas, keep an eye on frost forecasts to make sure you get to your sweet potatoes just in time. A little light frost damage might not be fatal, but heavy frost can ruin your entire crop. If frost is imminent, it’s now or never—time to get those sweet potatoes out of the ground.
Understanding these key times and signs for harvesting sweet potatoes can help maximize your yield and ensure you get the best quality roots possible. Each method has its benefits, so use them to your advantage to enjoy a bountiful, delicious harvest!
How to Harvest Sweet Potatoes
Knowing how to harvest sweet potatoes correctly is crucial to ensure you get the best out of your crop. When it’s time to get those sweet roots out of the ground, there are a few methods you can choose from. Let’s break down the different ways you can harvest your sweet potatoes without damaging them.
Use Your Hand
One of the most straightforward and enjoyable ways to harvest sweet potatoes is by using your hands. This method is excellent if you love getting up close and personal with your garden.
- Start by cutting the vines: Before you begin, cut the vines of the sweet potato plants to make the process easier. You can prune them with a good pair of pruners or simply mow them down if they are in the ground.
- Prep the soil: If the soil is too dry, lightly water it to reduce abrasion to the potato skins. This step will help increase the storage life of the sweet potatoes.
- Dig in: Using gloves, gently dig around the base of the plant with your hands. Carefully lift and pull the sweet potatoes out of the soil. It’s almost like a treasure hunt!
This method is perfect for smaller gardens or if you have loose soil. Kids will especially enjoy this hands-on approach, making it a fun family activity.
Tip the Container
If you’re growing your sweet potatoes in containers, there’s a nifty method to harvest them without much fuss.
- Cut the vines: Just like with the hand method, start by trimming the vines back. This will give you easier access to the soil and roots.
- Dump and sift: Gently tip the container over onto a tarp or an area where you can easily collect the soil. Sift through the soil with your hands to find and gather all the sweet potatoes.
This method is incredibly efficient for container gardening, allowing you to collect your sweet potatoes without much digging. It’s a clean and simple way to harvest, especially if you’re dealing with limited space.
Harvesting with a Fork or Shovel
For larger garden beds or in-ground plantings, you’ll need a bit more muscle with a garden fork or a shovel. Here’s how to harvest sweet potatoes without damaging them:
- Trim the vines: As always, start by cutting the vines. This step is vital to see what you’re doing and avoid damaging the sweet potatoes.
- Loosen the soil: Using a garden fork or a dull shovel, slide the tool into the soil around the edges of the planting area. Aim to lift the soil gently, working your way around the plants to avoid piercing the sweet potatoes.
- Collect the sweet potatoes: Once the soil is loosened, lift it carefully and pull out the sweet potatoes. Be gentle to avoid bruising or scraping them. It’s important not to wash or drop the sweet potatoes as this can significantly impact their curing and storage.
By using a garden fork, you can act like a colander. The soil will fall through while leaving the sweet potatoes on the fork. This method is effective for larger harvests and ensures minimal damage to your crop.
Harvesting your sweet potatoes using these methods will help you gather a healthy, undamaged crop. Each approach suits different garden setups, so choose the one that best fits your needs and enjoy the process!
How to Cure Sweet Potatoes
Curing sweet potatoes is an essential step to bring out their sweetness and make sure they store well. It’s a bit of a process, but it’s totally worth it if you want delicious, long-lasting tubers!
Step 1: Kickstart the Curing
The first part of curing lasts about 10 days and helps heal any cuts or bruises from harvesting. This also starts the sugar production process, making the potatoes sweeter. Ideally, you’d have an area that’s around 85°F with 85% humidity, but if that’s not possible, don’t worry—you can improvise.
Here’s a simple trick: grab some plastic grocery bags, poke a few holes in them, and put a single layer of sweet potatoes in each bag. Tie them up and place them in the sunniest, warmest spot in your house, like a south-facing window. This creates a mini greenhouse effect. Leave them there for about 6 to 10 days. If it gets chilly at night, throw a blanket over the bags to keep the heat in. After 10 days, check the tubers—they should feel firm and a bit moist. If any are soft, it’s best to compost them.
Step 2: Sweetening and Hardening
For the best flavor, continue curing for up to six more weeks. Wrap each sweet potato in a sheet of newspaper and stack them in a breathable container, like a cardboard box or wooden crate. Store them in a cool, dry place, ideally at around 55-60°F. This period not only enhances the sweetness but also hardens the skins, making the potatoes last longer in storage. The newspaper helps by allowing airflow and preventing moisture from building up, which can lead to rot.
Practical Tips
- Check for damage: While curing, inspect sweet potatoes carefully for any signs of rot or severe damage. Remove affected ones immediately to prevent spoilage.
- Air circulation: Ensure there’s good air circulation in your storage area to avoid moisture build-up, which can cause mold.
- Don’t wash: Keep the sweet potatoes unwashed until you’re ready to cook. Washing them early can introduce moisture that leads to decay.
Curing sweet potatoes may seem like an extra step, but it’s well worth the effort. Properly cured and stored, sweet potatoes can last for up to six months, letting you enjoy their delicious flavor long after the harvest season is over.
How to Store Sweet Potatoes
Alright, your sweet potatoes are cured and ready for storage—let’s keep them in good shape for as long as possible!
First things first: Do not store sweet potatoes in the fridge! The cold temperature can actually damage them because sweet potatoes don’t like it below 55°F. Most refrigerators are way colder, usually around 34-40°F, which can ruin your tubers by making them hard and less flavorful.
Sweet potatoes are happiest stored at around 55-60°F with about 60% humidity. The best spot I’ve got in my house is the unfinished basement. It’s cool and a bit damp down there. While I doubt it hits 60% humidity, I try to boost it by keeping a blanket over the potatoes and placing a bowl of water nearby. I also keep an eye on things with a little gadget called Sensor Push to monitor conditions.
Under ideal conditions, sweet potatoes can last up to 6-10 months in storage. But since my setup isn’t perfect, I’m aiming for at least three months. No biggie, though—we’ll probably munch through a good amount of these in the next month or so, especially since I’m all about sweet potato fries!
Conclusion
Successfully growing and harvesting sweet potatoes is rewarding and can be quite straightforward with the right approach. First, remember you can harvest sweet potatoes at various stages—whether it’s summer leaves for fresh greens or waiting until you see those yellow tips or the first frost. Timing is flexible, giving you multiple chances to get it right.
Once harvested, handle with care to avoid bruising. Curing them properly enhances their sweetness and ensures they last through the winter months. Place them in a warm, humid spot for about a week, and then store them in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for months.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy a bountiful, delicious harvest. Happy harvesting!
