Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are different from regular potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), which are from a different family altogether. Sweet potatoes are a warm-season crop that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
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In India, shakarkandi also called ratalu, kachalu or sweet potatoes are popular for their versatility and natural sweetness, finding their way into a variety of traditional dishes. It is usually eaten during festivals and winter months. The most common ways to eat it include having it boiled and served with a sprinkle of salt and chat masala as a simple yet satisfying snack. In Delhi and some parts of North India, Shakarkandi ki Chaat, is found on street carts and in small eateries as well as fine dining restaurants, where roasted sweet potatoes are tossed with onions, tomatoes, green chutney, and spices.
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In savoury preparations, sweet potatoes are used in curries and stews, where they add a pleasant sweetness that balances spicy and tangy flavours. Sweet potatoes are also used in traditional desserts such as halwa, where they are cooked down with ghee, milk, and sugar.
Growing sweet potatoes at home involves choosing the right variety and preparing the garden space. These tubers thrive in warm climates with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. They are propagated from slips—sprouts that grow from mature sweet potatoes—which are planted into the soil. You can either purchase slips from a nursery or grow your own. To grow your own slips, start with a healthy, organic sweet potato. Place it in a jar of water with the top half exposed and place it in a warm, sunny location. After a few weeks, slips (sprouts) will start to grow.
Prepare Your Garden Bed
Sweet potatoes need a sunny spot with well-drained, sandy loam soil. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas with poor drainage. Work the soil to a depth of about 12-15 inches and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Planting Sweet Potatoes
Once the slips have grown to about 6-8 inches long, they are ready for planting. Remove the slips from the sweet potato and trim off any leaves from the lower part of the slip.
Plant the slips in the prepared soil after the last frost date, when the soil temperature is consistently above 18°C. Space slips about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Plant the slips so that the bottom 2 inches are buried in the soil, and gently firm the soil around them.
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Caring For Sweet Potatoes
Water the slips thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Sweet potatoes need about 1 inch of water per week. As the plants grow, reduce watering. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves for mulch.
Sweet potatoes are light feeders but benefit from a balanced fertiliser or one with higher phosphorus and potassium levels at the time of planting. Keep the garden bed weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Hand-weed or use a hoe to remove weeds, being careful not to disturb the sweet potato roots.
Watch for common pests like sweet potato weevils and aphids. Use organic pest control methods if needed. Diseases like fusarium wilt and root rot can affect sweet potatoes; ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering to minimise these issues.
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Harvesting And Storing Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The foliage will start to yellow and die back when the tubers are mature.
Gently dig up the sweet potatoes using a garden fork or shovel. Start digging a few inches away from the plant to avoid damaging the tubers. Handle the tubers carefully to avoid bruising, which can lead to rot.
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After harvesting, cure the sweet potatoes to improve their flavour and extend their storage life. Place the tubers in a warm, humid environment for 10-14 days. A shed or garage with a heater and humidifier works well for this purpose.
Once cured, store the sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place. They should be kept at temperatures between 13-16°C and in a well-ventilated area. Properly stored, sweet potatoes can last for several months.