As the crisp autumn air rolls in, it’s that magical time of year when we get to gather our delicious sweet potatoes at the Veggie-Bed.
A warm-season perennial plant, sweet potatoes are typically grown as annuals in many regions. They are not just a delicious addition to your meals but also a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for many diets.
Sweet potatoes are typically ready to be harvested when the leaves and vines start to yellow and die back, usually about 90 to 120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvesting sweet potatoes is simple but requires some TLC. They are delicate and can bruise easily, so it’s important to handle them gently.
Using a garden fork or spade, start by loosening the soil around the plant’s base to help minimize damage to the tubers. Begin digging about 12-18 inches away from the plant to avoid piercing the tubers. Gently lift the sweet potatoes out of the ground, avoid dropping or knocking them together, and always remember to treat them with the care they deserve.
After harvesting, it’s crucial to cure the sweet potatoes. This involves placing them in a warm (about 85°F or 29°C), humid environment for about 10 days. This process is not just a step but a key to healing cuts and toughening the skin, improving their storage life and sweetness.
Once cured, store the sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place. If stored properly, they can last for several months.
Interesting Facts:
Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes differ in their underground structures. Both types of potatoes have unique structures that help them store energy and nutrients for the plant.• Sweet Potatoes: These are considered root vegetables. Specifically, they have tuberous, enlarged lateral roots that store nutrients.
• Regular Potatoes: These are stem tubers. A tuber is a thickened underground part of a stem that stores nutrients. Potatoes are not roots; they are modified stems.
Harvesting sweet potatoes can be a fulfilling and nutritious experience. By following the proper harvesting, handling, curing, and storing techniques, you can ensure that your sweet potatoes remain in top condition for months to come. Enjoy incorporating them into delicious meals and savor the rewards of your successful harvest!
At Urban Gardening 4u2day, we are passionate about promoting eco-friendly and sustainable vegetable gardening practices. Our mission is to encourage individuals and communities to grow their own produce in environmentally conscious ways.
Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick
Written by: Tom Myrick
About the Writer/Photographer: Tom Myrick
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