Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil (loamy or sandy soil preferred)
Start with slips (sprouts) from a sweet potato or buy certified slips
Create slips by placing sweet potatoes in a warm, bright area and keeping them lightly moist until sprouts form
Plant slips after the last frost when soil is warm (about 70°F/21°C or warmer)
Space slips 8–12 inches apart with rows 3–5 feet apart
Plant slips deep enough to cover the stem up to the first leaves; leave the top leaves above the soil
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around the slips
Keep soil consistently moist during early growth; avoid waterlogging
Mulch with straw or leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize lightly (too much nitrogen can reduce tuber formation); use compost or a balanced fertilizer if needed
Control weeds early, especially during the first weeks after planting
Train/encourage vines to spread within the bed; avoid burying them excessively unless you plan for extra root formation
Water during dry spells, aiming for steady moisture rather than frequent light watering
Stop watering about 1–2 weeks before harvest if vines are healthy and growth is slowing
Harvest when leaves start to yellow and before the first frost (typically 90–120 days)
Lift carefully with a digging fork or shovel to avoid bruising tubers
Cure harvested sweet potatoes by holding them warm and humid (about 80–90°F/27–32°C with high humidity) for 5–10 days
After curing, cure/hold them at about 55–60°F/13–16°C for 1–2 weeks if needed for further skin set
Store cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place (avoid refrigeration)
Monitor for common issues like sweet potato weevils, slips rot, and fungal problems; remove affected plants promptly
Use crop rotation and clean soil to reduce disease carryover