Growing sweet potatoes doesn’t require acres of farmland or perfectly tilled soil. With the right approach, you can cultivate this nutritious root vegetable in compact spaces—right in soil or grow bags. This method is perfect for urban gardeners, balcony growers, or anyone looking for a low-maintenance, high-yield crop.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to successfully grow sweet potatoes in bags, from choosing the right location to harvesting and curing for long-term storage.
Why Grow Sweet Potatoes in Bags?
Using bags to grow sweet potatoes offers a range of benefits:
- Space-saving: Ideal for patios, balconies, or small gardens.
- Improved drainage: Reduces the risk of root rot.
- Mobility: Easily move your plants to follow sunlight or shelter them from storms.
- Soil control: Perfect for areas with poor or rocky soil conditions.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin planting, gather the following tools and supplies:
- Sweet potato slips (young plants with roots)
- Large grow bags or soil bags (at least 15–20 gallons)
- High-quality potting mix or a blend of compost and garden soil
- Garden trowel or small shovel
- Root vegetable fertilizer (preferably slow-release)
- Watering can or hose with a gentle spray
- Straw, leaves, or other mulch
- Optional: stakes or trellises for vine support
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Sweet potatoes thrive in full sunlight. Pick a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Make sure the spot has good air circulation and is sheltered from strong winds.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil Bags
Fill your grow bags with loose, well-draining soil. You can use commercial potting mix or make your own blend using:
- 50% compost
- 25% garden soil
- 25% coarse sand or coconut coir
Leave a few inches of space at the top to make watering easier.
Step 3: Plant the Sweet Potato Slips
Plant your slips 4 to 6 inches deep in the soil, spacing each about 12 to 18 inches apart. Position them vertically, making sure the roots are buried and the green tops remain above the soil. You can fit 3 to 5 slips per grow bag, depending on the size.
Step 4: Water Consistently
Sweet potatoes need consistently moist soil. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain a regular watering schedule—typically 2–3 times per week, more during hot weather. Avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions may lead to rot.
Step 5: Fertilize Strategically
Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for root crops about two to three weeks after planting. Repeat every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-rich formulas, which can result in leafy vines and small tubers.
Step 6: Provide Optional Support
While not mandatory, adding trellises or vertical supports can help manage vine growth, especially in small spaces. Use soft ties to guide the vines upward without damaging the stems.
Step 7: Apply Mulch
Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.
Step 8: Monitor Growth and Wait for Maturity
Sweet potatoes generally take 100 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety. During this period, keep the soil moist, the area weed-free, and check the plants regularly for pests or disease.
Step 9: Harvest Gently
When leaves begin to yellow and the plant looks mature, it’s time to harvest. Carefully dig around the base using your hands or a small trowel. Lift the tubers gently to avoid bruising or cutting them.
Step 10: Cure and Store Properly
After harvest, cure sweet potatoes in a warm (80–90°F), humid environment for 10 to 14 days. This process enhances sweetness and helps heal minor cuts. Once cured, store them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Properly stored sweet potatoes can last for several months.
Tips for Success
- Use fabric grow bags for better aeration and drainage.
- Rotate the grow bag every few days if sunlight is uneven.
- Avoid harvesting too early—immature tubers don’t store well.
- Inspect regularly for common pests like wireworms and whiteflies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow sweet potatoes from a store-bought potato?
Yes, as long as it’s organic and hasn’t been treated with sprout inhibitors. Start by placing the sweet potato in water or soil to develop slips before transplanting.
How many sweet potatoes will one plant produce?
Each slip can yield 3 to 5 tubers on average, depending on care and conditions.
Do sweet potatoes need pollination?
No. Sweet potatoes reproduce via vegetative growth (slips), so pollination is not required.
Can I reuse the soil from my grow bags?
It’s best to rotate or amend the soil before reuse, especially if root diseases were present. Add fresh compost and allow the soil to rest between seasons.
When is the best time to plant?
Plant slips outdoors after the last frost when temperatures remain above 60°F (16°C), usually in late spring.
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- Grow Ginger in Plastic Bags for a Huge Harvest
- How to Grow Garlic Without a Garden
- The Best Root Vegetables for Container Gardening
External Resources for Further Reading
- University of Georgia Extension – Home Garden Sweet Potatoes
- National Gardening Association – Sweet Potato Growing Guide
- Almanac – How to Grow Sweet Potatoes
Conclusion
Growing sweet potatoes in bags is an easy, space-efficient, and rewarding way to add this nutritious crop to your gardening routine. Whether you’re working with a balcony, patio, or small backyard, this method allows you to take control of soil quality and maximize yield. With the right care and conditions, you’ll be enjoying homegrown sweet potatoes in just a few months.