How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers: From a Single Tuber to a Tasty Harvest

Growing your own sweet potatoes at home is easier than you think. With just a container, a healthy sweet potato, and a sunny spot, you can enjoy a harvest of delicious, nutrient-rich tubers. Whether you’re limited on space or simply want to try your hand at container gardening, this step-by-step guide shows you how to grow sweet potatoes successfully—even if you’ve never gardened before.

For more tips on growing food in small spaces, check out these vertical garden ideas on Secrets of the Green Garden.

🪖 Tools and Materials Checklist

• 🥠 One organic sweet potato with sprouts (or “eyes”)
• 🪣 Large container or grow bag (minimum 12 inches deep)
• 🧱 High-quality potting mix (well-draining)
• 💧 Watering can
• 🌎 Sunny location (6–8 hours/day)
• 💪 Organic fertilizer (balanced or high in potassium)
• 🥛 Toothpicks and jars (for slip propagation)

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

Step 1: Select the Right Sweet Potato

Choose a firm, organic sweet potato with visible eyes or sprouts. Organic is preferred because many store-bought potatoes are treated with sprout inhibitors.

Step 2: Create the Slips (Young Shoots)

There are two methods:

A. Whole Potato Method

• Insert 3–4 toothpicks around the middle of the sweet potato.
• Suspend the potato over a jar filled with water (bottom submerged).
• Place in a sunny windowsill.
• Change water every few days.
• In 3–4 weeks, shoots (slips) will grow from the top.

B. Sliced Method

• Cut potato into 1” thick slices.
• Use toothpicks to suspend slices in water, half submerged.
• Wait 3–4 weeks for shoots to develop.

Step 3: Remove and Root the Slips

• Once slips are 6–8 inches long, gently twist them off.
• Place them in a clean jar of water to grow roots.
• Within a week, you’ll see a healthy root system forming.

Step 4: Prepare the Container

• Fill your container 3/4 full with potting mix.
• Ensure the pot has good drainage holes.
• Mix in compost or slow-release fertilizer.

Step 5: Plant the Slips

• Make a hole for each rooted slip (4 inches deep).
• Place the slip with roots facing down and leaves above soil.
• Cover with soil and gently pat down.
• Water thoroughly.

Step 6: Caring for Your Plants

• Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy).
• Place the container in full sun (6–8 hours minimum).
• Fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a potassium-rich organic fertilizer.
• Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture.

Step 7: Harvest Time

• After 90–120 days, the vines will begin to yellow.
• This signals harvest time.
• Carefully dump the container and collect the tubers.
• Cure sweet potatoes for 1–2 weeks in a warm, dark spot to improve flavor.

⚡ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overwatering can lead to rot—let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
• Poor drainage will suffocate roots.
• Not enough sunlight results in small or no tubers.
• Neglecting to cure after harvest reduces sweetness and storage life.

🌟 Benefits of Growing Sweet Potatoes at Home

• Packed with fiber, vitamins A & C
• Perfect for containers and urban settings
• No pesticides or chemical fertilizers needed
• Easy for beginners and kids

🌧️ Seasonal and Regional Tips

• In colder climates, start slips indoors in late winter.
• Plant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed.
• In warm climates, you can plant from early spring through summer.

👀 FAQs

Can I grow sweet potatoes indoors?
Yes, if you have a sunny window or use grow lights.

How many potatoes does one slip yield?
Each slip can produce 3–5 tubers in a container.

Do sweet potatoes need a trellis?
Not necessarily, but guiding vines helps keep the space tidy.

Why are my leaves turning yellow early?
It may be overwatering, poor soil, or not enough sunlight.

🥳 Final Thoughts

Growing sweet potatoes in containers is not only practical—it’s fun, healthy, and empowering. With a bit of patience and care, your container garden can produce a flavorful harvest.

If you’re excited to grow more food in compact spaces, explore our balcony gardening guide for more ideas!

📍 Have you tried growing sweet potatoes at home? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share this article with your garden-loving friends!