I'm thinking about growing some sweet potatoes this year, but I'm not sure about the curing process. I've read that they should sit in a humid, warm spot (around 75-80°F) for about 10 days. The issue is, after harvest, I doubt I'll find a place on my property that stays warm enough consistently. I've seen a suggestion about using a plastic bag on a sunny windowsill. Has anyone tried that? Did it work for you?
3 Answers
You don’t need to worry too much about the exact temp as long as it stays above 50°F. It's all about giving them enough time. I usually place mine in the greenhouse with a shade cloth for a few weeks. It gets warm during the day, but cools off a bit at night. I’ve noticed that letting them cure for a month makes a big difference compared to just the recommended 10 days. Just be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight—it might cause some issues like sun scald.
I have a random question—do you guys have 'airing cupboards' in the USA? In England, it's a small cupboard where the boiler lives, and it's usually warm and perfect for starting plants. Just curious if you have anything similar!
You can actually use your oven for curing! Just keep the door closed, turn on the light, and put a roasting tray with water on one shelf while the potatoes are on another. If you need extra heat, adding some incandescent bulbs can help. Just remember to cover the oven controls with painter's tape so you don’t accidentally turn it on! There's also a cool video by Millennial Gardener that explains this process really well.
I've never heard of those! Sounds like a neat idea!