Sweet Potato

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…

Raised beds are ideal for sweet potatoes, especially in regions with heavier soils or shorter growing seasons. Over decades of growing sweet potatoes in Sonoma Valley, I’ve found that proper soil depth, organic amendments, and spacing make the difference between small roots and large, sweet, well-formed tubers. This experience-based guide shows exactly how to set…

Sweet potatoes are one of the most rewarding warm-season crops you can grow. I’ve planted sweet potatoes for years in my Sonoma Valley beds—long, hot summers, loose soil, and consistent water make for heavy yields and richly flavored tubers. But even if your climate differs, you can still get fast, dependable success by starting with…