Dreaming of growing your own delicious, nutrient-packed sweet potatoes—even with limited space? Soil bags are a great solution! Whether you’re gardening on a patio, balcony, or backyard, this method is simple, space-saving, and super rewarding. Here’s everything you need to know to get started:
Pick the Perfect Spot
Sweet potatoes love the sun! Choose a location that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily and has good drainage to keep the roots healthy and happy.
Prep Your Soil Bags
Fill large, sturdy soil or grow bags with a rich mix of:
- Potting soil
- Garden soil
- Compost
Leave a few inches of space at the top so water doesn’t spill over.
Plant the Slips
Sweet potato slips (baby sprouts) are what you’ll plant—not seeds.
- Dig holes 4–6 inches deep
- Space each slip 12–18 inches apart
- Gently firm the soil around each slip for support
Keep It Moist
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. Avoid overwatering—soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Feed Your Plants
About 2–3 weeks after planting, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to fuel steady growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize—too much nitrogen can cause leafy vines at the expense of tuber growth.
Support the Vines (Optional)
As the vines begin to sprawl, consider using stakes or trellises to lift them off the ground. This helps save space and improves airflow.
Mulch for Moisture
Add a layer of mulch around your plants to:
- Lock in moisture
- Suppress weeds
- Keep the soil temperature stable
Harvest Your Crop
Sweet potatoes are usually ready to harvest in 100–120 days.
When the leaves start to yellow, gently dig around the base of the plants with your hands or a garden fork. Be careful—sweet potatoes bruise easily!
Cure and Store
After harvesting, cure your sweet potatoes in a warm, humid spot (around 80–85°F) for 10–14 days. This improves their flavor and shelf life.
Then, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place—they’ll keep for several months!
Final Thoughts
Growing sweet potatoes in soil bags is a fun and fulfilling project that doesn’t require a full garden. With just a bit of care, you’ll be rewarded with a sweet and hearty harvest. Whether you’re gardening for the first time or adding to your growing list of homegrown veggies—this is one crop you’ll be glad you tried.
Happy planting—and even happier harvesting!
