3Qs Garden Chronicles : Growing Wonders - Qayyum’s Sweet Potato Journey

2 Jun 2024 • 11:30 AM MYT
Azam's Harvest
Azam's Harvest

I'm Azam: A farmer, resilience advocate, dream harvester, and OKU.

Image from: 3Qs Garden Chronicles : Growing Wonders - Qayyum’s Sweet Potato Journey
My eldest son, Qayyum with his harvest of sweet potato. Image Credit: Nazrul Azam

It all started in early December when Qayyum, the mastermind of the 3Qs crew, stumbled upon a sprouting sweet potato tuber. Well, buckle up, because the sweet potato adventure begins!

So, Qayyum, armed with nothing but curiosity and a green thumb, decided to take matters into his own hands. He transformed that lone sweet potato into a mini-sweet potato empire, cultivating nearly 20 plants all by himself. Without my help or guidance!

But, as with any gardening journey, there were highs and lows. Three of Qayyum's budding beauties fell victim to some hungry snails, while five found new homes with his grand aunty. As for the rest? Well, they became the stars of the show in the 3Qs Garden extravaganza!

Now, fast forward almost three months later, and you'd think the hype would simmer down, right? Wrong! Qayyum's been on my case all week about yanking out those plants. I held firm, though, reminding him that patience is key in the garden game. But yesterday, I caved. I let him harvest one from a 25cm pot, and boy, oh boy, the excitement was unreal!

Qayyum's Sweet Potato Chronicles:

1. It's clear as day that our sweet potato pal was still in its infancy. At barely three months old, it's got plenty of growing left to do. We're talking yellowish leaves and all the signs of maturity by the fourth month.

2. Lesson learned: sweet potatoes need their space! They thrive in loose, well-draining soil, whether it's in the ground or a spacious pot.

Now, onto some sweet potato tidbits that'll make you go, "Wow!"

1. Despite its name, the sweet potato is closely related to morning glory. It doesn't have anything to do with the potato family.

2. Sweet potatoes come in a rainbow of colors – orange, yellow, white, and even the purple variety that Qayyum's got in the works!

3. These root veggies are like nature's multivitamin, packed with goodness like vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.

4. Calling all gluten-free pals! Sweet potatoes are your new bestie. They make a great substitute for grains for folks with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

5. Keep those peepers healthy with sweet potatoes! Loaded with vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, they're like superhero goggles for your eyes, fighting off night blindness and age-related sight issues.

This sweet potato journey has been an incredible learning experience for both Qayyum and me. It's a testament to the power of curiosity and hands-on learning, showing that even the simplest of garden projects can teach valuable lessons. Plus, it's a reminder that sometimes, letting go of control and letting nature take its course can lead to wonderful surprises.

So, there you have it – our sweet potato escapade, fueled by Qayyum's unyielding quest for growth! Who knew veggies could be so thrilling?


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