Planting guide · zone 5a
When to plant sweet potatoes in zone 5a
In zone 5a, the average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is Oct 1. Here is sweet potatoes's whole year, counted from those dates.
Jun 5Plant slipsSpring
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Loose, sandy, low-nitrogen soil in raised ridges — rich ground grows vines instead of roots.
Seedling care
Plant slips (rooted cuttings) well after frost, once soil is thoroughly warm. Water daily the first week while they take.
Growing notes
The vines smother weeds for you. Ease off water in the last month to prevent splitting.
Harvest
Dig before frost, or immediately after vines blacken. Cure at 80–85°F for 10 days — curing is what creates the sweetness.