Tuber Vegetables

Sweet potatoes thrive when you give them the right foundation—warm soil, full sun, and heat from start to finish. After years of growing them in my Sonoma Valley garden, I’ve learned that dialing in these basic conditions is what makes the difference between a modest harvest and a bumper crop of smooth, sweet, well-formed tubers….

Planting sweet potatoes at the right moment is the key to a successful harvest. After growing sweet potatoes for years in my warm Sonoma Valley garden—and helping short-season gardeners find the right timing—I’ve learned that the calendar matters far less than soil temperature, frost dates, and variety choice. Sweet potatoes need consistent warmth from planting…

Choosing the right sweet potato variety is essential for a successful harvest. Over decades of growing sweet potatoes in Sonoma Valley, both in raised beds and containers, I’ve experimented with dozens of varieties and learned which thrive in different climates, soils, and growing seasons. The right variety ensures sweet, well-formed tubers, vigorous vines, and reliable…

Starting your own sweet potato slips at home is easier than most gardeners realize—and you get stronger, healthier plants than anything you can buy. I’ve been starting slips for years for my Sonoma garden, and it’s become one of my favorite early-season rituals. Once you understand how sweet potatoes sprout, you’ll be able to produce…

Planting sweet potatoes the right way sets the foundation for a big harvest. After years of growing them in my warm Sonoma Valley garden—where loose soil, careful spacing, and healthy slips make all the difference—I’ve learned that the planting stage determines 90% of your success. Sweet potatoes are simple plants, but they respond dramatically to…