Sweet potatoes require consistent moisture, so it’s essential to water them regularly to maintain uniformly moist soil without over-saturation. It’s advisable to water them early in the morning, allowing the leaves to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Step 5: Fertilization
Nourish your sweet potatoes with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply it following the package instructions, typically a few weeks after planting and periodically throughout the growing season. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive foliage growth and smaller tubers.
Step 6: Optional Support and Trellising
For those with limited garden space or the desire to encourage larger sweet potatoes, consider implementing stakes or trellises. You can gently secure the vines to these supports as they grow, making harvesting more manageable as well.
Step 7: Mulching
To conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth, apply a layer of mulch around your sweet potato plants. Suitable mulch materials include straw, leaves, or even black plastic. Ensure that the mulch doesn’t come into direct contact with the stems to prevent rot.
