As any gardener mid-winter in Alaska, I got a little over eager while ordering seeds. As it was -20 outside, I decided I would order a bunch, (a ton really), of sweet potato slips. Now, I knew it would be a bit of a challenge in my area, but we typically get hot summers in the interior that range from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so I thought it might be possible. (Also I saw a gardener post a successful harvest on our local gardeners' page and began dreaming.) I ordered varieties that are suited to northern climates and have shorter growing seasons. I do not have a green house, but am thinking of making mini green houses out of those giant clear totes adding a roof of some kind. Opinions? Tips? Success stories? Do you think its even possible? I'd appreciate anything you have to say! Thanks!

Get them planted as soon as they arrive. Mini greenhouse ideal sound good. I'd personally go vertical with them.
If you have wire worms, read up on on control. Capturing them naturally for control. Or using chemical treatment.
Capturing them naturally will need to start now.
Cut some regular ol peices of potatoes in good size chunks, say one and a half inches. Put toothpick in, and bury with toothpicks a bit out of soil. In a couple weeks, dig up. If you find them wire worms, put potatoes and any worm ridden soil in good plastic bag, seal, and trash it. Then repeat, hole process.
Good luck 👍👍
😎😎😎

@Phillipwonel

Thank you so much! I can go vertical, but I have to be able to bring them in on chilly nights, so I'm not sure how much I will do. There are bins that are 20" high, but not very wide, or 18" with a lot more length and width.

AK ! I say do it - what do you have to loose?
I've planted sw potato slips over the years, we have about a 115 frost free days growing season. I direct planted them in my garden. I was able to harvest some nice flavorful potatoes. Some were 3 feet deep, so be ready to dig deep at harvest. Do you know how deep permafrost is in summer in your area? If you don't - you can call the excavation department at your local gas company (I used to work for SEMCO Energy) they will certainly know.

AKGardener,





Mindi in California, Good luck!!

Have you got your slips ?
Grow them in pots until you can plant in ground outside.
Last year, I grew one in a 5 gallon bucket. My harvest was 2 mini, potatoes, the size of my finger.
My point is, roots need alot I space.

P.S. Seed companies, 'ARE' , not suspose to send out slips till it's time for you to plant them.

Good day
😎😎😎