How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Nebraska

Growing sweet potatoes in Nebraska can be a rewarding endeavor if you approach it with the right knowledge and preparation. Sweet potatoes, known for their nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking, thrive in warm climates but can also be cultivated successfully in Nebraska with the right techniques. This guide will explore everything you need to know about growing sweet potatoes in the Cornhusker State.

Understanding Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. They are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes grow underground tubers that vary in color from orange to purple and yellow. While they prefer warm conditions, it is possible to grow them in cooler climates like Nebraska by extending the growing season.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting a variety of sweet potato to grow in Nebraska, consider the following options:

1. Beauregard: A popular variety known for its high yield and disease resistance.
2. Covington: Characterized by its sweet flavor and smooth skin.
3. Garnet: Recognized for its deep orange flesh and moist texture.
4. Japanese Purple: Known for its vibrant purple skin and unique flavor profile.

Each variety has its own taste and texture; thus, select based on your preferences and intended use.

Preparing Your Site

Location

Sweet potatoes require full sun to thrive, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing garden bed is ideal, as it will capture the most sunlight throughout the day.

Soil Requirements

Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.8 to 6.2). If your soil is heavy clay or has poor drainage, amend it by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve soil structure and enhance drainage.

Soil Preparation Steps

1. Clear the Area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from your planting area.
2. Test Soil pH: Use a home testing kit to determine pH levels. Amend accordingly with lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).
3. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to aerate it.
4. Organic Matter Application: Mix in organic compost to provide nutrients and improve soil texture.

Starting Sweet Potatoes

Seedlings vs. Slips

While you can plant whole sweet potatoes directly into the ground, starting slips (young shoots) is generally more productive and reliable. Here’s how to grow slips:

1. Choose Healthy Tubers: Select firm, healthy sweet potatoes that are free of blemishes or soft spots.
2. Water Method: Place the sweet potato in a jar of water using toothpicks to keep half submerged in water — this encourages sprouting.
3. Warm Environment: Keep the jar in a warm spot (around 70°F) for several weeks until sprouts develop.
4. Cutting Slips: Once sprouts are about 6 inches long, cut them off and allow them to root in water for additional days before planting them outside.

Timing Your Planting

Sweet potatoes need a long growing season (around 90-120 days). In Nebraska, it’s best to plant slips after all danger of frost has passed, typically around late May or early June when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F.

Planting Sweet Potatoes

Planting Process

1. Spacing: Space slips 12-18 inches apart within rows and maintain rows about 3 feet apart.
2. Depth: Plant slips deep enough so that most of the stem is buried but leave some leaves exposed above ground.
3. Watering: Thoroughly water after planting to help establish roots.

Mulching

Applying a layer of organic mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature as they grow.

Caring for Your Sweet Potatoes

Watering Needs

Sweet potatoes require consistent moisture, especially during their establishment phase. Water weekly if there hasn’t been sufficient rainfall; however, be cautious not to overwater since excess moisture can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Applying fertilizer can promote healthy growth:

1. Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or one higher in potassium.
2. Application Timing: Fertilize at planting time and again when plants are about 6 inches tall.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests include:

• Sweet Potato Weevils: These pests can cause significant damage; remove infected plants immediately.
• Flea Beetles: Use row covers early on to protect young plants from these pests.

Keep an eye on fungal diseases like root rot by ensuring good drainage and avoiding excessive watering.

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Harvesting time depends on the variety grown but generally occurs around 90-120 days after planting once foliage starts turning yellow or dying back:

1. Timing: Choose dry weather for harvesting; this helps prevent rot during storage.
2. Lifting Tubers: Carefully dig up around the base of the plant using a spading fork or shovel without damaging the tubers.
3. Curing Process: Allow harvested sweet potatoes to cure in a warm environment (approximately 85°F with high humidity) for about two weeks before storage; this enhances flavor.

Storing Your Sweet Potatoes

Store cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place (ideally around 55-60°F). Avoid refrigeration as cold temperatures can alter their flavor and make them hard.

Conclusion

Growing sweet potatoes in Nebraska can be both fun and fruitful when taking into account temperature needs, soil preparation, proper care, and timing your planting effectively. With patience and some diligent work, you’ll be rewarded with nutritious homegrown sweet potatoes that can be enjoyed well into winter months! Whether baked, mashed, fried, or integrated into various recipes, these tubers will surely add a delicious touch to your meals while enhancing your gardening skills along the way!