can i get to the yams

Tsamuder

3 min read

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16-04-2025

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Getting to those delicious yams (often mistakenly called yams, but are actually sweet potatoes) is the reward for all your hard work! This guide will walk you through harvesting your sweet potato crop, ensuring you get the most out of your bounty. But first, let's clarify: while many call them yams, these orange-fleshed root vegetables are actually sweet potatoes. True yams are a different species entirely.

When to Harvest Your Sweet Potatoes

The key to perfectly harvested sweet potatoes is timing. Harvesting too early results in small, underdeveloped roots. Harvesting too late can lead to damaged, rotting potatoes. Here’s how to know when it's time:

• Timing is Crucial: Aim for 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Check your seed packet for specific information.
• Visual Cues: The leaves will start to yellow and die back naturally as the weather cools. This is a strong signal that the tubers are maturing.
• Soil Temperature: The soil temperature should be consistently cool. Warmer soils can damage the sweet potatoes during harvest.

Checking for Maturity:

Gently tug on a few vines. If they come up easily, your sweet potatoes may be ready. It's best to check a few plants in different areas of your garden to ensure uniform maturity.

How to Harvest Sweet Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Harvesting sweet potatoes requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the delicate tubers. Here's a detailed approach:

1. Prepare Your Tools: You'll need a garden fork, a shovel, or a trowel; buckets or baskets for collecting the harvested potatoes; and gloves to protect your hands.

2. Clear the Area: Remove any weeds or debris around the plants to give yourself enough space to work.

3. Loosen the Soil: Gently insert your garden fork or shovel about 6-8 inches from the base of the plant. Loosen the soil around the sweet potatoes. Avoid digging directly under the plant, as this could damage the tubers.

4. Gently Lift: Carefully lift the plant, supporting it as you go. The sweet potatoes will be clustered around the base of the plant.

5. Gather the Harvest: Once the plant is lifted, carefully collect the sweet potatoes. Brush off excess soil. Inspect for any damage or rot.

6. Curing Your Sweet Potatoes: Curing is essential for extending the shelf life of your harvest. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area (around 80-85°F and 80-85% humidity) for 7-10 days. This process helps to heal any minor wounds and improves their taste and storage life.

Troubleshooting Common Harvesting Issues

Q: My sweet potatoes are small.
A: This could be due to harvesting too early, insufficient sunlight, poor soil, or lack of nutrients. Make sure you are following the recommended planting and care guidelines.

Q: My sweet potatoes are rotting. A: Rotting can occur due to late harvesting, improper curing, or soilborne diseases. Avoid harvesting in wet conditions, and ensure proper curing.

Q: I'm finding it difficult to locate all of my sweet potatoes. A: Sweet potato vines can spread widely. Careful excavation is key. Use a trowel to gently loosen the soil around the plant, taking care not to damage any of the tubers.

Storing Your Sweet Potato Harvest

After curing, store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. Ideally, the temperature should be between 50-55°F. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can damage their texture and flavor.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious harvest of sweet potatoes! Remember to always handle them gently to maximize the yield and quality of your sweet potato crop.