How to grow sweet potatoes with minimal effort

February 22, 2025

The Lazy Gardener’s Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes

If you’ve ever dreamed of plucking homegrown sweet potatoes right out of the soil with minimal effort, you’re in for a treat! These beauties are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow. Whether you've got a sprawling backyard or a few spare pots on the patio, sweet potatoes don’t ask for much—just a little sun, a bit of dirt, and a whole lot of patience.

Why Sweet Potatoes Deserve a Spot in Your Garden

Sweet potatoes aren’t just tasty; they’re practically bulletproof when it comes to gardening. They love warm weather, tolerate less-than-perfect soil, and have a knack for thriving even when neglected. Their sprawling vines also add a lovely, lush green touch to any outdoor space. Oh, and did I mention they store well for months? That means sweet potato fries on demand!

Step 1: Pick Your Sweet Potato MVP

Before you even think about planting, you need the right sweet potato variety. For a no-fuss approach, grab an organic sweet potato from the grocery store or a garden centre. Look for one that's firm and sprouting little shoots (those tiny eyes are your future vines!).

Step 2: Let It Sprout—No Fancy Setup Required

This is where patience comes in. Cut your sweet potato in half and place it in a jar of water with the cut side submerged. Pop it on a sunny windowsill and wait. In a couple of weeks, you’ll notice leafy sprouts emerging. These are called slips! When they reach 10-15 cm in length, gently twist them off and place them in water until they grow roots. No greenhouse or scientific skills required—just a bit of waiting.

Step 3: Finding the Perfect Planting Spot

Sweet potatoes adore warmth, so pick a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil. Got sandy or slightly poor soil? Even better! Raised garden beds or large pots work wonders if you’re short on space. Dig in some compost for extra nutrients, but honestly, these plants don’t need much pampering.

Step 4: Plant and Forget (Almost)

Once your slips have a decent set of roots, pop them in the ground about 30 cm apart. Give them a deep watering after planting, then let nature do its thing. They won’t demand attention like fussy vegetables. Just a bit of watering during dry spells and the occasional weeding will keep them happy.

Step 5: Let Them Run Wild

Sweet potatoes send out vines like they’re on a mission. Let them sprawl—they suppress weeds and hold moisture in the soil. They’re practically doing the hard work for you! If they start getting out of control, just trim them back.

Step 6: Harvesting—The Fun Part

About four to five months after planting, the leaves will start yellowing. That’s your cue! Gently dig around the base to check if the tubers have reached a decent size. A garden fork works best to avoid slicing into your precious harvest. Once you’ve unearthed your sweet potatoes, let them sit out in a warm, shaded spot for a week to cure. This helps develop their signature sweetness.

Bonus Tip: Save Some for Next Season

Once you've grown sweet potatoes successfully, you’ll never need to buy slips again. Keep a few of your best tubers and start the process over next season. It’s the kind of cycle that makes gardening feel effortless.

Effortless Gardening at Its Best

Growing sweet potatoes doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal effort, you can fill your garden (and your plate) with these versatile tubers. Just give them a bit of space, a little time, and let their vines do the rest. Ready to give it a go? Grab a sweet potato and start sprouting!

Happy planting!

Candeece