Cultivating Sweet Potatoes in Iowa's Soil
Growing Sweet Potatoes in Iowa: A Guide for Success
Sweet potatoes are a warm-season crop that thrives in the right conditions. To grow them successfully in Iowa, follow these key tips.
Choosing the Right Varieties
When selecting sweet potato cultivars, opt for fast-maturing varieties such as 'Beauregard' or 'Georgia Jet', which typically mature in about 90 days. These varieties are well-suited for Iowa's growing season, provided they are planted after the last frost.
Preparing the Soil
Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained, loose soils amended with compost to improve fertility. Soil temperatures should ideally be above 60°F for successful growth.
Planting and Care
Plant sweet potato slips, which are propagated from the roots of the previous season's crop, in rows that are 36-48 inches apart and with a spacing of 12 inches within the row. Ensure even irrigation throughout most of the growing season, but limit water during the last four weeks before harvest to protect the developing roots from cracking.
Harvesting and Curing
Harvest sweet potatoes before the first frost and cure them in warm, humid conditions to improve storage. This process heals cuts, bruises, and reduces rots, and converts some of the starch in the roots to sugar.
Growing Conditions
The best growing conditions for sweet potatoes in Iowa include warm soil temperatures (above 60°F), a long frost-free growing season of at least 90-120 days, well-drained soil amended with well-rotted compost, and full sun exposure.
Maintaining the Right Environment
Sweet potatoes are drought- and heat-tolerant but benefit from moderate watering. Iowa often experiences surplus moisture in July, especially in northern regions, so selecting well-drained sites or raised beds can help avoid waterlogging.
Weed Management
Keep plantings weed-free early in the season, but the vining nature of sweet potato will by itself smother and suppress many weeds.
Potential Challenges
Cool soil reduces root quality and storage life, so it is not recommended to expose the root to colder soils for long periods. Sweet potatoes are tolerant of a wide range of soil pH but will grow best in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
In summary, to successfully grow sweet potatoes in Iowa, select fast-maturing varieties, plant after the last frost when soil is warm (above 60°F), provide full sun and well-drained soil amended with compost, and avoid saturated soil conditions common with Iowa’s summer rains. With the right care and conditions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes this season.
- Weeds can pose a challenge in the early stages of sweet potato growth, but the vining nature of the plants tends to smother and suppress many weeds as they mature.
- Maintaining a lifestyle that includes regular watering is beneficial for sweet potatoes, as they are drought- and heat-tolerant but benefit from moderate watering, especially during Iowa's dry summer months.
- A home-and-garden extension service can provide valuable advice on growing sweet potatoes in Iowa, offering tips on choosing the right varieties, preparing the soil, and managing potential challenges.
- Keeping a watchful eye on soil pH levels is important for growing healthy sweet potatoes, as they thrive best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
