A family favorite packed with flavor and vitamins sweet potatoes are nonetheless tradiionally difficult to grow on the Olympic Peninsula has been traditionally difficult. However, with new cultivars more suited to the region’s maritime climate, it is possible to grow these tubers west of the Cascades.
Learn how from Laurel Moulton, Washington State University Clallam County Extension regional horticulture specialist, at “Growing Sweet Potatoes,” the next Green Thumb Education Series presentation, set for noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
The event is also available online; the the link at the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar at extension.wsu.edu/clallam (meeting ID 936 2989 8830, passcode 676224), or join by phone by calling 253-215-8782.
Gardeners will learn the basics of growing sweet potatoes, from propagation through curing and storage.
Sweet potatoes are usually grown in warmer places, such as the southeastern U.S. and southern California, local gardening experts note, but it is possible to achieve a good yield in our area with a little effort.
“The longer day length of northern latitude helps make up for the cooler growing season, but growers still need to plan their garden well to be successful,” said Moulton, who has partnered with researchers at the WSU Northwest Research and Extension Center in Mount Vernon the past two years to conduct sweet potato growing trials in the area.
“The trials are looking for wireworm resistant sweet potatoes that grow well in our area, since wireworms are a primary pest that has few organic management methods,” Moulton said.
Trials are also examining plant spacing, the effect of harvesting greens on root yield, and which existing commercial cultivars are most successful for farms in the area.
Moulton has been a Master Gardener since 2006, and coordinator of the Clallam County Program for six years, between 2013 and 2014, and since 2019 to the present. She said she also enjoys interacting with farmers in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties as a specialist in integrated pest management. She eanred a master’s degree in horticulture systems with a minor in entomology from Oregon State University.
Sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series is offered on the second and fourth Thursday each month through October; however, in November, December and January, one program is offered.
Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.
For more information, call 360-565-2679.
