The Simple Guide to Starting Sweet Potato Slips for Your Garden

Growing sweet potatoes in your garden can be a delightful and fruitful endeavor, especially when you decide to start your own slips. Sweet potato slips are simply the young sprouts that emerge from whole sweet potatoes. In this guide, you will discover the easy and effective ways to start these slips right at home, paving the way for a flourishing garden filled with delicious sweet potatoes.

What are Sweet Potato Slips?

Blog cover photo of photo slips

Sweet potato slips are small shoots that sprout from a mature sweet potato. These slips can be planted directly into your garden or in containers for later transplanting. Starting your own slips not only saves money but also lets you control the variety and health of the plants you wish to grow. According to research, home gardeners can save up to 50% on their gardening costs by propagating plants from slips instead of buying established seedlings.

How to Start Sweet Potato Slips

Step 1: Select the Right Sweet Potatoes

Begin by choosing healthy sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes. Opt for organic sweet potatoes when possible, as they are less likely to be treated with growth inhibitors. For instance, a study showed that organic varieties yielded 20% more slips compared to non-organic ones, making them a better choice for enthusiastic gardeners.

A close-up view of a healthy sweet potato ready for sprouting.

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Step 2: Prepare Your Container

You can start sweet potato slips using either water or soil. If you choose water, select a container deep enough for the potatoes to sit upright, ensuring two-thirds of the sweet potato is submerged. For a soil method, plant the sweet potatoes in a pot filled with nutrient-rich potting mix. One effective mix could be a blend of 50% potting soil, 30% compost, and 20% perlite, ensuring good drainage and nutrients for your slips.

A close-up view of cut sweet potatoes submerged in water sprouting.

Step 3: Provide the Right Conditions

Place your container in a warm, sunny spot since sweet potatoes thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. To create a greenhouse effect, you can cover the container with plastic wrap, helping to retain moisture and warmth. Regularly check on the slips and change the water if it looks murky. On average, it takes 2 to 4 weeks for slips to emerge, so patience is key.

Step 4: Wait for Sprouts

After about 2-4 weeks, you will notice sprouts starting to grow from your sweet potatoes. When the shoots reach about 4 to 6 inches long, they are ready to be carefully removed and rooted in soil. When handling the sprouts, be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate roots, as they are crucial for the plant's growth.

Step 5: Root Your Slips

To root the slips, you can place each sprout in a jar of water or directly in a pot of soil. If you are using water, ensure that the base of each slip remains submerged until roots form, which typically takes an additional week. If you prefer planting in soil, water gently to avoid displacing the slip as roots begin to establish.

A side angle view of sprouted sweet potato slips thriving in a champagne glass.

Planting Your Slips

Once your slips have developed a healthy root system, you can transplant them into your garden or larger containers. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Sweet potatoes require full sun and adequate space to thrive, so be sure to space them at least 12 inches apart. This spacing allows for healthy growth and minimizes competition for nutrients.

Enjoy Your Gardening Journey

Starting sweet potato slips at home is an accessible and satisfying process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily grow healthy slips that will lead to a bountiful harvest. Whether you are just beginning your gardening journey or you are a seasoned expert, growing your own sweet potato slips provides an incredible opportunity for homegrown produce. Embrace the experience and watch your garden flourish!