Growing sweet potatoes in pots is a fantastic option if you’re short on garden space or live in an apartment. With the right pot, soil, and a sunny balcony, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest. Sweet potatoes are nutritious and versatile, and container gardening is surprisingly easy with a little planning.
Why Grow Sweet Potatoes in Pots?
Container-grown sweet potatoes are a great choice if you have limited space. Not only do they look attractive with their lush, vining foliage, but they’re also relatively low-maintenance and yield delicious tubers that are packed with vitamins and fiber.
What You’ll Need
- Large Pot: Sweet potatoes need room to grow, so choose a container that’s at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Fabric pots or buckets with drainage holes work well.
- Sunny Spot: Place your pot in a location that receives 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Good Soil: Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil. A mix of compost, sand, and high-quality potting soil works best.
Steps to Plant and Grow Sweet Potatoes in Pots
1. Prepare the Pot
Fill your container with a loose, rich soil mix. Sweet potatoes need aerated soil to expand, so avoid compacted or heavy soil.
2. Start with Slips or Small Plants
Purchase slips (small rooted sweet potato shoots) from a nursery, or start your own slips by placing a sweet potato in water until it sprouts. Once the slips are about 6 inches long, they’re ready to plant.
3. Planting the Slips
Plant slips around the edge of the pot, burying each one about halfway into the soil. Gently firm the soil around the slips to hold them in place.
4. Water Consistently
Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture but dislike soggy conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure excess water can drain out.
5. Fertilize Sparingly
Feed your plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage foliage growth but limit tuber development.
6. Manage Vines
The vines will grow quickly and can be trained up a trellis if desired. This can save space and help the plant receive more sunlight.
7. Harvesting
Sweet potatoes are usually ready to harvest about 100–120 days after planting. Once the foliage begins to yellow and die back, gently dig into the soil to check for tubers.
Tips for a Successful Harvest
- Temperature: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm weather, so wait until all risk of frost has passed before planting.
- Rotate or Rest the Soil: If growing in the same pot next year, refresh the soil mix with compost to replenish nutrients.
- Protect from Pests: Check leaves for common pests like aphids. Natural insecticidal soap can be helpful for minor infestations.
Enjoy Your Homegrown Sweet Potatoes!
Growing sweet potatoes in pots allows you to enjoy this healthy crop even without a garden. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with sweet, homegrown potatoes that are perfect for roasting, baking, or adding to your favorite dishes. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing and harvesting your own produce right on your balcony!