Harvesting sweet potatoes too early can have a number of negative consequences for both the quality and yield of your crop.
One of the main issues with harvesting sweet potatoes too early is that the tubers will be small and underdeveloped. Sweet potatoes need a long growing season in order to reach their full size and mature properly. If you harvest them before they have had a chance to fully mature, the tubers will be small and may not have the desired texture or flavor. They may also be more prone to damage and decay during storage.
In addition to smaller tubers, harvesting sweet potatoes too early can also result in lower yields. Sweet potatoes continue to grow and develop even after they have been dug up, so waiting until the proper time to harvest can result in a larger overall yield.
Finally, harvesting sweet potatoes too early can also impact the overall health of the plant. Sweet potatoes are a long-season crop, and cutting them off before they have had a chance to fully mature can prevent the plant from reaching its full potential. This can ultimately lead to lower yields in future growing seasons.
To ensure a successful sweet potato harvest, it is important to wait until the tubers are fully mature before digging them up. This typically means allowing the plants to continue growing until the foliage begins to yellow and die back, indicating that the tubers are ready to be harvested.
