Sweet potatoes are a tasty and nutritious root vegetable that are easy to grow in a home garden. If you’re planning on harvesting your own sweet potatoes, you’ll need to know when they are ready to be dug up. But how do you know when sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested? Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Time of year: Sweet potatoes are typically ready to be harvested in the late summer or early fall, after they have had a chance to grow and mature for several months. In general, sweet potatoes take between 80 and 120 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety.
- Size and appearance: Sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested when they have reached their full size and are well-formed. This typically means that the tubers will be at least 3 inches in diameter and around 8 inches long. The skin of a mature sweet potato should also be smooth and unblemished, with a deep orange or reddish color.
- Leaves and vines: Another way to tell if sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested is by looking at the leaves and vines of the plant. As sweet potatoes approach maturity, the leaves and vines will start to yellow and die back. This is a good indication that the tubers are ready to be harvested.
- Testing the soil: One final way to determine if sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested is by testing the soil. To do this, gently push a trowel or other digging tool into the soil near the base of the plant. If the trowel encounters resistance and the soil feels solid, it’s a good indication that the sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested.
When harvesting sweet potatoes, be sure to use a digging fork or other tool to gently lift the tubers out of the ground. Avoid bruising or damaging the sweet potatoes, as this can affect their storage life. Once they are dug up, be sure to cure the sweet potatoes by placing them in a warm, dry location for a week or two before storing them in a cool, dark place.
In summary, there are a few key indicators that can help you determine when sweet potatoes are ready to be harvested. Look for mature size and appearance, yellowing leaves and vines, and a solid soil texture. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are harvesting your sweet potatoes at the perfect time for maximum flavor and nutritional value.