ASK FARMER NEIL
PLANTING SWEET POTATO
Farmer Neil,
What should I do with my sweet potato plant? I placed it in this pot, while considering how to plant it, and look at it now!
If I don’t have any yard space, can I leave it in the pot to grow? Should I cut it into pieces and plant them separately? How far apart should the pieces be spaced? Or should I just plant the entire potato?
Must the soil be very loose where it is going to grow? And should I water daily if the soil gets dry? ~ Budding Farmer
Dear Budding Farmer,
You can plant as is in the pot (less yield) or preferably in loosened earth (greater yield), and spread out the vines. Place some soil on them as you spread them so they remain in contact with the ground; this way they will grow faster. As the vine spreads, you may want to remove slips of it and plant separately because you don’t want the foliage to be growing on top of each other too much because this will give you fewer potatoes.
As the foliage spreads, it will trap moisture in the earth so no need for daily watering. Check the soil approximately every three days.
In another three to four months, when the leaves near the roots of the plants start shriveling, you know it’s time to start reaping.
It makes sense and takes cents to plant!
Mr. Linton Neil is an agronomist, who originally hails from St. Mary, but now resides in St. Catherine. He knows all about plants.
Starting this week in Freedom Come Rain, we’re inviting you to email us at freedomcomerain@gmail.com any issues you are having with your edible gardening project, which we’ll ask Mr. Neil to address.
Please make your question as clear as possible, and your photos very bright. If we are unable to print your answer, we’ll provide you with Mr. Neil’s contact details.