Sweet potatoes are not only easy to grow but also highly nutritious and delicious. To make the most of your harvest, it’s important to know the right time to harvest, how to handle them after harvesting, and the best storage methods. When properly stored, sweet potatoes can retain their natural sweetness and last throughout the fall and winter months.
When to Harvest Sweet Potatoes
Toward the end of the season, reduce watering to prevent cracking, which can make storage harder. Sweet gain most of their size and weight late in the season, even after the leaves start to yellow, so don’t harvest too early.
The best time to harvest is in the fall when the weather cools and the vines begin to wither. Try to harvest before the first frost. A light frost won’t usually harm the roots, but a hard frost can damage those near the soil surface.
Effective Harvesting Tips
- Sweet potatoes bruise easily, so handle them with care. Cut and remove vines 2-3 days before harvesting to allow the delicate skins to toughen slightly.
- Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around 18 inches (45 cm) from the plant’s crown and about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep. Lift the tubers gently to avoid breaking them.
- Some sweet potatoes may grow deeper or farther from the main stem, so sift through the soil carefully to ensure you don’t miss any.
- If a tuber is cut or damaged during harvesting, use it immediately. For undamaged sweet potatoes, gently brush off excess soil without washing them. Allow them to dry for 1-2 days before handling further, using gardening gloves to wipe off any remaining dirt.
How to Cure Sweet Potatoes for Better Flavor
After harvesting, curing is an important step that enhances sweetness and helps the skins toughen, reducing spoilage.
- Cure sweet potatoes in a warm room (80°F-85°F / 27°C-29°C) with high humidity for 7-10 days.
- If ideal conditions are unavailable, cure them at 70°F-75°F (21°C-24°C) for 2-3 weeks, covering them with paper or cloth to maintain humidity.
- If the weather permits, you can cure sweet potatoes outdoors in a shaded area. Otherwise, an attic or shed may provide the right environment. A humidifier or space heater can help adjust humidity and temperature as needed.
How to Store for Long-Lasting Freshness
Once properly cured, sweet potatoes can last for 6-9 months.
- Store them in boxes in a dark place where the temperature stays between 50°F-60°F (10°C-15°C), such as a basement or a cool closet.
- Avoid storing sweet potatoes in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures can cause spoilage.
- Regularly check for signs of rot and remove any affected tubers to prevent them from spoiling the rest.
With proper curing and storage, your sweet potatoes will remain fresh and delicious until the next planting season in early spring—about 3-4 weeks after the last frost.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes
Don’t let your harvest go to waste! There are many ways to prepare sweet potatoes beyond the classic holiday dishes:
- Roast them with beef or chicken for a hearty meal.
- Make mashed sweet potatoes using a slow cooker or boil them for various recipes.
- Mix them with spinach for a delicious quiche.
- If you prefer a sweeter treat, try making traditional sweet potato pie or other desserts.
Sweet potatoes are nutritious, flavorful, and versatile. With the right harvesting and storage methods, you can enjoy your homegrown crop all year round!