PART 3 - HOW TO TURN 1 SWEET POTATO INTO 100 SWEET POTATOES - PREPARING & PLANTING INTO #garden
Howto & Style
Introduction
Welcome back to the Back Garden! In today’s video, we continue our journey of transforming one sweet potato into 100 sweet potatoes. This third part is crucial, as I aim to cultivate a total of 35 slips. Let’s dive right in!
Extracting and Preparing Sweet Potato Slips
Carefully, I start by taking a slip with healthy roots. Although it's small, it is ready to be planted. To organize, I lay the slips into a tray after filling it with water. Next, I extract another slip, trimming any unnecessary bottom leaves. The objective is to plant the slips about 3 to 4 inches deep, ensuring that at least two clusters of leaves remain exposed above the soil.
We previously cut 12 slips on April 6th and submerged them in water. The difference is striking! Some roots have developed nicely, while others show significant new root growth. This is important because stronger slips will yield better results in the garden.
I encourage you to be mindful of the timing for planting. It’s essential to avoid planting in the heat of the day, preferably doing so in the late afternoon or evening. This minimizes stress on the slips, helping them establish better overnight.
Examining the Roots and Growth
After emptying my pots, I reveal a tangled mass of roots. At this point, I'm eager to see how many slips I can extract. Removing them carefully, I find a few shorts slips that have sprouted remarkable roots. By the end of this process, I count a total of 43 healthy slips ready for planting.
Preparing the Planting Area
Now that my slips are ready, I head to the back garden for planting. The soil here is fluffy and rich in organic materials, which is ideal for sweet potatoes. The goal is to create two rows for the 43 slips, allowing for approximately one slip per foot, while keeping them 3 feet apart.
I measure out 19 feet for one row and decide to slightly overplant by inserting 21 slips in one row and 22 in another.
Soil Preparation and Fertilization
Before planting, I till the soil and incorporate some calcium manure compost to enhance its quality. Additionally, I distribute some 10-10-10 fertilizer on the top of the soil. It’s important not to expose the newly planted slips directly to the fertilizer, so it rests on top and will be absorbed through rain.
Planting the Sweet Potato Slips
With the area ready, I begin the planting procedure. Using a shovel, I dig a small hole for each slip, position the roots carefully, and cover it with soil. It’s essential to water each slip immediately after placing it in the ground to prevent shock.
Final Thoughts
Two days after planting, I return to check on the slips. Following a light shower, the plants are thriving, standing strong and upright. This establishment signifies a successful start for my sweet potato journey.
I hope you found this video and guide helpful. Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and keep an eye out for upcoming parts of this series!
Keywords
- Sweet Potatoes
- Slips
- Planting
- Fertilizer
- Organic Material
- Garden Preparation
- Growth
FAQ
Q: How do you prepare sweet potato slips for planting?
A: Sweet potato slips can be prepared by carefully pulling them from the main potato, trimming unnecessary leaves, and soaking them in water to encourage root development before planting.
Q: When is the best time to plant sweet potato slips?
A: It is recommended to plant sweet potato slips in the late afternoon or evening to minimize stress from heat.
Q: How deep should sweet potato slips be planted?
A: Sweet potato slips should be planted about 3-4 inches deep, ensuring that at least two clusters of leaves remain above ground.
Q: How many slips can you get from one sweet potato?
A: With proper care and timing, you can generate multiple slips from a single sweet potato, often well over 30 slips.
Q: What kind of soil is best for growing sweet potatoes?
A: Sweet potatoes thrive in light, fluffy soil enriched with organic materials and good drainage.