How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Oklahoma

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that thrives in warm climates. Growing sweet potatoes in Oklahoma can be a rewarding experience for gardeners looking to add this versatile crop to their home gardens. In this article, we will discuss the ideal growing conditions, planting techniques, care tips, and harvesting methods to ensure a successful sweet potato crop.

Understanding the Growing Conditions

Climate Requirements

Oklahoma features a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it suitable for growing sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes require a long growing season of about 90 to 120 days with warm soil temperatures between 65°F and 95°F. Typically, the best planting time in Oklahoma is late spring to early summer, once the risk of frost has passed.

Soil Preparation

Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soil with a pH level between 5.8 and 6.5. Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil adequately:

1. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content.
2. Amendments: If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
3. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to create loose, aerated conditions suitable for root development.

Selecting Sweet Potato Varieties

Choosing the right variety of sweet potato is crucial for success in Oklahoma’s unique climate. Some popular varieties that perform well include:

• Beauregard: Known for its high yield and disease resistance, this variety features smooth skin and orange flesh.
• Covington: A widely cultivated variety that offers excellent taste and texture.
• Georgia Jet: This variety matures quickly and produces robust tubers with purple skin and orange flesh.

When selecting seeds or slips (young plants), it’s advisable to choose certified disease-free slips from reliable sources.

Planting Sweet Potatoes

Obtaining Slips

Sweet potato slips can be grown from whole sweet potatoes or purchased from garden centers. To grow your own slips:

1. Select Healthy Potatoes: Choose medium-sized, healthy sweet potatoes.
2. Water Method: Place the sweet potatoes partially submerged in water in a container or jar, ensuring that at least half of the potato is above water.
3. Temperature & Light: Keep them in a warm area with indirect sunlight until sprouts begin to grow.
4. Transplanting: Once the slips are approximately 6 inches tall, carefully remove them from the potato and transplant them into the prepared garden bed.

Planting Techniques

Once you have your slips ready, follow these steps for planting:

1. Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart.
2. Planting Depth: Dig holes deep enough to bury most of the slip, leaving only the top few leaves exposed.
3. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the slips.

Caring for Sweet Potatoes

Watering Needs

Sweet potatoes are relatively drought-tolerant but require consistent moisture during their growth phase, especially during dry spells. Here are some guidelines:

• Frequency: Water deeply once a week unless there is adequate rainfall. Adjust frequency based on weather conditions.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization

Sweet potatoes benefit from nutrient-rich soil but can suffer from excessive nitrogen levels leading to lush foliage at the expense of tuber development.

1. Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) into the soil at planting time.
2. Side Dressing: A side dressing of potassium-rich fertilizer may be applied mid-season to enhance tuber growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and root-knot nematodes. Here’s how to manage them:

• Regular Inspections: Frequently check plants for signs of infestation.
• Organic Options: Consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil for pest control when needed.
• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting sweet potatoes in the same location year after year to prevent disease buildup in the soil.

Weeding Strategies

Weeds can compete with sweet potatoes for nutrients and water. Implement these strategies:

• Hand Weeding: Regularly check your garden beds and remove weeds by hand.
• Mulch Application: As mentioned earlier, organic mulch can also help smother weed growth while maintaining soil moisture.

Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Timing Your Harvest

Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting sweet potatoes. Typically, they are ready for harvest when:

• The leaves start turning yellow or wilting.
• The first frost is approaching; however, avoid harvesting immediately before frost as this can damage tubers.

Harvesting Technique

To harvest sweet potatoes successfully:

1. Dig Carefully: Use a spading fork or shovel to dig around the plants gently—avoid bruising or cutting into tubers.
2. Lift Tubers Gently: Take care not to damage them as you lift them out of the ground.

Curing Sweet Potatoes

After harvesting, curing sweet potatoes is essential for enhancing their flavor and ensuring longevity:

1. Location: Place harvested sweet potatoes in a warm (around 85°F), humid environment (about 85% humidity) for about 10 days.
2. Storage Method: After curing, store them in a cool (55°F – 60°F), dark location with good air circulation.

Conclusion

Growing sweet potatoes in Oklahoma can be an enjoyable endeavor with proper planning and care. By selecting suitable varieties, preparing your soil diligently, providing adequate water and nutrients, managing pests effectively, and knowing when to harvest, you can enjoy homegrown sweet potatoes that are both delicious and nutritious. With these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a bountiful crop of this versatile vegetable right in your backyard!