More and more people are enjoying their own sweet potato plant in their home garden. Not only the appearance impresses thanks to the beautiful flowers and the long shoots. The wind plant also forms edible tubers in its own cultivation, which delight with their sweet taste. But before you can enjoy it, of course, there is the harvest. If you are unsure about the harvest date, the procedure and further storage, this guide will help you to make the greatest possible profit.

Sweet potatoes are harvested in autumn

The right time

Basically, you harvest sweet potatoes in October. However, depending on the weather conditions, this date may change from year to year. Even in September, the tubers are already ripe and may need to be stored before the starch is converted into sugar. A sure sign that harvest is imminent is the yellowing of the leaves. Although the vegetables grow underground, wilting is a clear indication. Most importantly, get your sweet potatoes out of the ground before the first frost. Sub-zero temperatures destroy the yield in just one night. So don't be afraid to raid your plant early when temperatures drop.

Action

  1. harvest your sweet potatoes as soon as the leaves turn yellow
  2. do not use a shovel, use your bare hands to avoid damaging the tubers
  3. brush off the clinging soil well, but do not wash the vegetables yet

Subsequent storage

After you've taken your sweet potatoes out of the ground, they should be stored in a dark place for at least two days. A basement is ideal for this. First, the tubers should still be in the fresh air. During this time, another layer forms over small scratches and dents, which prevents germs from penetrating. Only then should you wrap your sweet potatoes individually in newspaper if you do not want to use them right away. Batatas usually need some time to convert the starch they contain into sugar. Only through this process does the pleasantly sweet taste develop.
Only store undamaged vegetables that are not bruised. The sweet potatoes should only come into contact with water immediately before cooking.

Category:

Vegetable garden