How To Grow Sweet Potatoes In A Bucket – Harvest Abundant Tubers On

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever dreamt of digging up your own delicious sweet potatoes, but thought you needed a sprawling garden or a huge farm? Think again! Many of us face the common gardener’s dilemma: a passion for fresh, homegrown produce but limited space. Whether you live in an apartment, have a small patio, or just want to maximize your existing garden, the idea of growing root vegetables might seem daunting.

But what if I told you that you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these nutritious, versatile tubers right from a simple container? Imagine pulling out vibrant, healthy sweet potatoes you grew yourself, ready for roasting, mashing, or baking. You absolutely can, and it’s easier than you might think!

Here at Greeny Gardener, we’re all about empowering you to grow amazing things, no matter your space. Today, we’re going to dive deep into how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket, transforming that dream into a delicious reality. Get ready to discover the simple secrets to a successful, satisfying harvest!

Why Choose to Grow Sweet Potatoes in a Bucket?

You might be wondering, “Why a bucket?” It’s a fantastic question with even better answers! Growing sweet potatoes in containers offers a myriad of benefits, making it an increasingly popular and sustainable choice for gardeners of all levels. It’s not just about saving space; it’s about control, convenience, and often, a healthier harvest.

Space-Saving Solutions

This is probably the most obvious advantage, right? If you’re gardening in a small yard, on a balcony, or even a rooftop, buckets are your best friends. They allow you to utilize every sunny corner, turning otherwise unused space into a productive mini-farm. No need for raised beds or digging up your lawn – just grab a bucket and get planting!

Pest Control Advantages

When your plants are in containers, they’re naturally elevated and often less accessible to ground-dwelling pests like voles or gophers that love to munch on underground tubers. Plus, if a pest issue does arise, it’s far easier to isolate and treat a single bucket than an entire garden bed. This makes for a more manageable and often more eco-friendly how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket experience, as you might reduce the need for widespread treatments.

Earlier Harvests & Portability

One of my favorite benefits is the ability to extend your growing season. If an unexpected late frost threatens, or if you want to start your plants earlier indoors, you can simply move your buckets to a sheltered location. This portability means you can chase the sun, protect from harsh weather, and potentially enjoy an earlier, more reliable harvest. Plus, come harvest time, tipping out a bucket is often much easier on your back than digging!

Getting Started: Essential Supplies for Growing Sweet Potatoes in a Bucket

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s gather our tools. The beauty of how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket is that it doesn’t require a huge investment. You likely have many of these items already!

Choosing the Right Bucket

This is crucial. Sweet potatoes need room to grow their delicious tubers. You’ll want a container that’s at least 15-20 gallons (about 60-75 liters) in size. Think large, sturdy buckets, plastic storage bins, or even repurposed garbage cans (cleaned thoroughly, of course!). Half whiskey barrels work wonderfully too.

The key is depth and width. A deeper bucket allows the roots to grow downwards, while a wider opening provides space for the vines to spread.

Selecting Your Soil Mix

Don’t just fill your bucket with heavy garden soil! Sweet potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil. A good quality potting mix is essential. I recommend a blend that includes:

  • Potting Soil: A high-quality, all-purpose potting mix as your base.
  • Compost: About 20-30% well-rotted compost or aged manure to provide nutrients and improve soil structure. This is key for a truly sustainable how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket approach.
  • Perlite or Vermiculite: A handful or two to enhance drainage and aeration, preventing waterlogging which sweet potatoes despise.

This mix will be light enough for tuber expansion and rich enough to feed your hungry plants.

Drainage is Key!

This cannot be stressed enough. Sweet potatoes hate wet feet. If your bucket doesn’t have drainage holes, you absolutely must add them. Drill several 1/2-inch holes in the bottom of the bucket. If you’re using a large plastic tote, I usually add 6-8 holes evenly spaced. This prevents water from pooling and rotting your precious tubers.

Sprouting Slips: The First Step to Growing Sweet Potatoes in a Bucket

You don’t plant sweet potato seeds; you plant “slips.” A slip is a sprout that grows from a mature sweet potato. You can buy slips online or from garden centers, but it’s incredibly rewarding (and economical!) to grow your own from a store-bought organic sweet potato.

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Water Method

This is the classic way to sprout slips. It’s fun to watch!

  1. Choose a healthy, unblemished organic sweet potato.
  2. Insert 3-4 toothpicks around its middle.
  3. Suspend the sweet potato over a glass of water, with about half of the potato submerged.
  4. Place it in a warm, sunny spot (a windowsill is perfect).
  5. Change the water every few days to prevent mold.
  6. In a few weeks, sprouts (slips) will emerge from the top, and roots will grow from the bottom.

Soil Method

Some gardeners prefer this method, as it can produce stronger slips.

  1. Bury a whole sweet potato halfway in a shallow tray filled with moist potting mix or sand.
  2. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm.
  3. Place it in a sunny location.
  4. Slips will emerge from the potato over several weeks.

When Are Slips Ready?

Once your slips are about 6-8 inches long and have a few leaves, they’re ready! Gently twist or snap them off the sweet potato. If they don’t have roots yet, place the bottom inch of the slip in a glass of water for a few days until roots form. This rooting process is crucial for successful planting.

Planting Your Sweet Potato Slips: How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in a Bucket Like a Pro

Now for the exciting part – getting those slips into their new homes! This is where the real journey of how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket begins.

Timing is Everything

Sweet potatoes are heat-loving plants. They need warm soil and warm air to thrive. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures consistently stay above 55°F (13°C), ideally closer to 65°F (18°C). In many regions, this means late spring or early summer. Don’t rush it; planting too early in cold soil will stunt their growth.

Planting Depth and Spacing

  1. Fill your prepared bucket with your custom soil mix, leaving about 2-3 inches of space from the rim.
  2. Make a hole deep enough to bury the slip up to its top leaves.
  3. Gently place one or two slips in each large bucket. For a 15-20 gallon bucket, one slip is often sufficient for optimal tuber growth. If you have a truly massive container (25+ gallons), you *might* squeeze in two, but give them plenty of space.
  4. Bury the slips so that only the top 2-3 leaves are exposed. Many of the nodes (where leaves were attached) that are now underground will develop roots and eventually tubers.
  5. Water thoroughly after planting.

These are the how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket best practices for getting a strong start!

Ongoing Care: Nurturing Your Bucket-Grown Sweet Potatoes

Once planted, sweet potatoes are relatively low-maintenance, but consistent care will ensure a fantastic harvest. This is your comprehensive how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket care guide.

Watering Wisdom

Consistent moisture is key, especially during the first few weeks after planting and when tubers are forming. Don’t let the soil dry out completely. However, avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch or two deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

In hot weather, container plants dry out much faster than in-ground plants, so you might need to water daily or even twice a day. Good drainage will prevent issues even with frequent watering.

Fertilizing for Root Growth

Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders, especially for potassium, which helps with tuber development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these will encourage lush vine growth at the expense of root production.

I recommend a balanced organic fertilizer (like 5-10-10 or 8-16-16) or one specifically for root vegetables, applied every 3-4 weeks. Compost tea or liquid seaweed are also excellent, gentle options for continuous feeding. Start fertilizing a few weeks after planting once the slips are established.

Sunlight Requirements

Sweet potatoes are sun worshipers! They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce a good harvest. Place your buckets in the sunniest spot you can find. If you live in an area with extremely scorching afternoon sun, a little afternoon shade might be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch, but generally, more sun equals more tubers.

Pest and Disease Watch

While growing in buckets can reduce some pest issues, it’s not a complete shield. Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. A strong spray of water can often dislodge aphids, and neem oil is an excellent organic treatment for many pests.

Good air circulation around the vines can help prevent fungal diseases. If you see yellowing leaves or unusual spots, address them promptly. Healthy plants are always more resistant!

Pruning for Productivity

Sweet potato vines can become quite long and sprawling. You can prune them back if they start to take over your space. Don’t worry, this won’t harm the tubers. In fact, some gardeners believe it can redirect energy back into tuber production, though the primary reason for pruning is usually aesthetic or spatial. Just avoid removing too much foliage at once, as the leaves are essential for photosynthesis.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in a Bucket

Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry, these are common challenges with how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket, and most have simple solutions!

No Tubers Forming?

This is a common frustration. Several factors could be at play:

  • Too Much Nitrogen: If your leaves are super lush but no tubers, you might be using a fertilizer too high in nitrogen. Switch to one with higher phosphorus and potassium.
  • Not Enough Sun: Insufficient sunlight means less energy for tuber production.
  • Too Cold: Sweet potatoes need consistent warmth. Cold soil or air will prevent tuber formation.
  • Wrong Variety: Some ornamental sweet potato varieties are grown for their foliage, not their tubers. Ensure you’re growing a tuber-producing variety.
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Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can indicate a few things:

  • Nutrient Deficiency: Often nitrogen or magnesium. A balanced fertilizer or a foliar spray of Epsom salts (for magnesium) can help.
  • Overwatering: Roots can’t breathe, leading to stress. Check drainage and adjust watering schedule.
  • Underwatering: Leaves will often wilt first, then yellow and crisp. Increase watering frequency.

Pests Galore

If you’re seeing an explosion of pests, early intervention is key. For aphids or spider mites, a strong spray of water can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective organic solutions. Always identify the pest first to ensure you’re using the right treatment.

Harvesting Your Sweet Potato Bounty

The moment of truth! Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and your climate. Look for signs that the vines are starting to yellow and die back. This indicates the tubers are maturing underground.

To harvest:

  1. Gently tip the entire bucket over onto a tarp or a clear patch of ground.
  2. Carefully sift through the soil to find your sweet potatoes. Be gentle, as they can bruise easily.
  3. Brush off excess soil, but avoid washing them immediately.
  4. Cure Your Sweet Potatoes: This is a vital step for flavor and storage! Place your harvested sweet potatoes in a warm (85-90°F or 29-32°C), humid place for 7-10 days. This process heals any minor wounds, converts starches to sugars, and toughens the skin, significantly improving their taste and shelf life.
  5. After curing, store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilventilated spot (55-60°F or 13-16°C) for several months.

Following these how to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket tips will lead to a delicious and rewarding harvest!

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Sweet Potatoes in a Bucket

Here are some common questions I hear from fellow gardeners about growing sweet potatoes in containers:

How big should the bucket be for sweet potatoes?

For a good harvest, aim for a container that is at least 15-20 gallons (about 60-75 liters) in capacity. The deeper and wider, the better, as sweet potato tubers need ample space to develop properly.

Can I grow sweet potatoes from a store-bought sweet potato?

Absolutely! This is a popular and cost-effective way to get started. Just make sure it’s an organic sweet potato to avoid any growth inhibitors that might have been applied. Follow the slip-sprouting methods (water or soil) outlined earlier in this guide.

How long does it take to grow sweet potatoes in a bucket?

Sweet potatoes generally take between 90 to 120 days (3-4 months) from the time you plant your slips to maturity, depending on the variety and your local growing conditions. Look for the vines to start yellowing and dying back as a sign they are ready for harvest.

Do sweet potatoes need a lot of sun?

Yes, sweet potatoes are sun-loving plants! They require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce a healthy crop of tubers. Choose the sunniest spot on your patio or balcony for your buckets.

Why aren’t my sweet potatoes forming tubers?

This is often due to too much nitrogen in the soil (which encourages leafy growth instead of tubers), insufficient sunlight, or consistently cold temperatures. Ensure you’re using a balanced fertilizer, providing plenty of sun, and planting when the soil and air are consistently warm.

Conclusion

There you have it, fellow gardeners! Growing your own sweet potatoes in a bucket is not just possible; it’s a wonderfully rewarding and accessible gardening project. From sprouting your own slips to enjoying your cured, homegrown harvest, every step of the process is deeply satisfying.

You now have all the knowledge, from the initial setup and planting to ongoing care and troubleshooting, to successfully grow sweet potatoes right on your patio or balcony. Remember, the joy of gardening isn’t just in the harvest, but in the journey of nurturing life.

So, grab a bucket, choose your favorite sweet potato variety, and get ready to experience the incredible satisfaction of harvesting your very own delicious tubers. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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