Sweet potatoes are a nutritious vegetable. You can grow them in your garden. However,
the most important thing for gardeners is to know the right time to harvest
their crops. Yes, timing is very important. Harvesting too early can
result in small and immature tubers. On the other hand, waiting too long can cause
quality problems such as rotting or overgrowth. In this article, I will share when
to harvest sweet potatoes perfectly. If you follow the instructions in this article
completely, you will be able to harvest sweet potatoes successfully. So, let's know
when to harvest sweet potatoes.
Best Time to Harvest Sweet Potatoes
When to Harvest Sweet Potatoes
To harvest sweet potatoes, you have to have good knowledge and experience in crop harvesting. Now let's know the best time to harvest sweet potatoes.
Understanding the Sweet Potato Growth Cycle
Growing Timeline
Usually, sweet potatoes take 90 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Mainly, it depends on the variety and conditions. This timeline begins the day you plant the slips (young sweet potato plants) in the ground. So, write down the planting date to know when your crop will be ready to harvest.
Role of Climate
Sweet potatoes grow well in warm and cold-free conditions at temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. Cold temperatures can delay maturity and damage the tubers.
Soil Condition and Growth
Roots increase well in healthy, loose
and well-drained soil. So, always monitor the soil so that there is no
waterlogging.
Signs that Sweet Potatoes Are Ready to Harvest
There are some signs of preparation for
harvesting sweet potatoes. Now know the signs:
Yellowing and Wilting of Leaves
As the sweet potato matures, the leaves
and vines will turn yellow and die. This natural process indicates that
the tubers have matured and are ready to harvest.
Soil Cracking
Take a close look at the soil around the
base of your plants. As the tubers grow, they push the soil up and create
small cracks. This is a visual signal that your sweet potatoes are probably
ready to harvest.
Maturity Date Test
Read the seed packet's instructions for
maturity time. If you are within that time, check your plants
regularly.
Sample Tuber
If you are not sure about all of these
signs, test the tuber by gently digging up a tuber or two. If they reach
the desired size, it is high time to harvest the rest.
How to Harvest Sweet Potatoes
Preparing for Harvest
- Check the Weather: Wet soil sticks
to tubers. So, wait for dry days to harvest sweet potatoes.
- Avoid Cold: Harvest sweet
potatoes before cold because cold temperatures can damage the tubers.
The Tools You Will Need
- Garden fork or spade
- Gardening gloves
- A bucket, basket or tarp for collecting tubers
Harvesting Stage
- Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork to loosen the soil gently around the plant. Dig about 12-18 inches away from the vine to avoid damaging the tubers.
- Carefully Lift the Tubers: Carefully lift
the sweet potatoes from the soil. Don't poke or hit them. Handle them
carefully because they are quite fragile at this stage.
- Remove excess dirt: Gently brush loose soil with your hands. Don’t wash the tubers because it can make them prone to rotting.
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Post-Harvest Care for Sweet Potatoes
The Importance of Curing
Curing is an important task. It
increases the sweetness and longevity of sweet potatoes.
- Processing: Place the
tubers in a warm (80-85°F) and humid (85-90%) condition for 7-10 days.
It will cure any minor wounds and help convert starch to sugar and enhance
flavor.
- Setup: Choose a basement,
heated garage or other warm place to cure.
Long-term Storage
- After curing, store sweet potatoes in a cool (55-60°F), dark and well-ventilated area.
- Do not refrigerate them because it can affect their taste and texture.
- Properly stored sweet potatoes can last 6 months or more.
FAQ
1. Can I harvest sweet potatoes before mature?
Yes, but the tubers will be smaller and
less flavorful. If necessary, you can still use them in cooking but they
may not be as sweet as mature tubers.
2. How do I protect sweet potatoes from cold?
Collect sweets before the cold. Then they will be protected from cold.
3. Do sweet potatoes need to be cured before eating?
Although sweet potatoes are edible
immediately after harvest, curing increases their sweetness and texture.
It also makes them tastier.
4. Can I reuse the vines for the next season?
Yes, you can propagate new sweet potato
plants by cutting and transplanting vines. But they must be healthy and
pest-free.
5. What happens if I wait too long to harvest?
If you wait too long, the tubers are
likely to become woody, excessively fibrous or rotten.
In conclusion, how to harvest sweet potatoes is a matter of great experience. And, this experience you have gained well from this article. Now grow sweet potatoes, harvest them according to the instructions in this article and enjoy fresh, tasty and nutritious sweet potatoes for a long period.
Do you have anything else to know about harvesting sweet potatoes? If so, share it in the comments.
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