Tuber Vegetables

Companion planting can make a meaningful difference in your sweet potato harvest—especially when it comes to managing soil, conserving moisture, and reducing pests. Over the years in my Sonoma Valley garden, I’ve learned which plants naturally support sweet potatoes and which ones compete or cause trouble. Sweet potatoes grow vigorously, but they benefit from the…

Sweet potatoes are tough, heat-loving plants, but even seasoned gardeners like me encounter pests and diseases that can reduce yield or damage tubers. After decades growing sweet potatoes in Sonoma Valley—both in raised beds and containers—I’ve learned that early detection, proper soil management, and organic methods are the keys to a successful, chemical-free harvest. Here’s…

Sweet potatoes are hardy and versatile, but sometimes gardeners face the frustrating problem of lush vines with few or no tubers. After decades growing sweet potatoes in Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned the common causes and how to fix them. Understanding vine growth, soil conditions, water, and nutrient balance is key to encouraging tuber development. Here’s…

Curing sweet potatoes is the secret step that transforms freshly harvested roots into sweet, flavorful, long-lasting tubers. Over decades of growing sweet potatoes in Sonoma Valley, I’ve perfected a method that maximizes both sugar content and storage life. Proper curing not only enhances flavor but also toughens the skin, reducing rot and making your harvest…