Sweet potato, locally known as shakarkandi, is a delicious vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It has a naturally sweet flavour, making it a favourite of many dishes. You can find sweet potatoes in a variety of recipes, from comforting soups and stews to savoury casseroles and even desserts like pies. They are often roasted, mashed, or fried, adding a delightful sweetness to meals.
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Growing them in water at home is an easy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable and add some homegrown sweet potatoes to your kitchen. In this guide, let’s explore some simple tips to get started.
Tips For Growing Sweet Potato Plants In Water At Home
Choose The Healthy Sweet Potato
Start by selecting healthy, organic sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are firm and free of bruises or soft spots. Organic sweet potatoes are less likely to have chemicals that can hinder growth, making them a better choice for your kitchen garden.
Prepare The Sweet Potato
You can grow sweet potatoes from the whole tuber or cut them into sections. If you choose to cut them, make sure each piece has at least one eye (the small sprouts on the potato). Let the cut pieces dry for a day or two to form a protective layer before placing them in water.
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Use The Right Container
Select a container that is suitable for growing sweet potatoes. You can use a glass jar or a bowl. The container should be deep enough to hold the sweet potato with at least half submerged in water. This allows the roots to develop properly.
Water Level Management
Fill the container with enough water to cover the bottom half of the sweet potato. Make sure to change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Stagnant water can lead to mould and algae growth, which can harm the plant.
Also Read: How To Grow Luffa Gourds At Home
Provide Adequate Light
Sweet potato plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place your container near a window where it can receive plenty of light throughout the day. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to ensure the plant gets enough exposure.
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Monitor Growth And Sprouts
Keep an eye on your sweet potato plant as it grows. In a few weeks, you should see sprouts emerging from the potato. Once these sprouts reach about 6 inches in length, you can carefully break them off and place them in a separate container filled with water. These are called slips and will grow into new sweet potato plants.
Fertilise When Necessary
After a few weeks of growth, you can start adding a diluted liquid fertiliser to the water every month. This provides the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow strong and healthy. Look for organic fertilisers to keep your gardening natural.
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Harvesting Your Sweet Potatoes
After about 2 to 3 months of growth, you can check the roots to see if they are ready to harvest. Gently pull the plant from the water and inspect the tubers. If they are a good size, you can carefully dig them up and enjoy your homegrown sweet potatoes.