“From My Garden With Love The Beauty of Sweet Potato Leaves”

The Hidden Treasure in My Garden Sweet Potato Leaves

Hello friends, warm greetings from my little homestead!

This morning, as I stepped outside to check around the garden, the first thing that caught my eye was the sweet potato vines stretching freely across the ground. The rain from last night had left everything fresh and glistening. The leaves looked so alive tender, broad, and rich green, covering the soil like a soft blanket. I squatted beside them and smiled. It’s always a peaceful sight. Many people grow sweet potatoes for their tubers, but for me, the true treasure lies above the ground in the leaves.I still remember when I first discovered that sweet potato leaves could be eaten. Back then, I used to pull out the vines carelessly, thinking they were just ordinary leaves with no value. One day, my neighbor came around and asked why I was wasting them. She laughed and said, “Don’t you know these leaves are food too?” Out of curiosity, I decided to try it that same day. I picked some young, tender leaves, washed them clean, and cooked them with palm oil, onions, and fresh pepper. The aroma that filled my kitchen was unbelievable rich, earthy, and homely. When I finally tasted it, I couldn’t believe how delicious it was. It had a slightly sweet taste, soft like ugu (fluted pumpkin) but lighter and milder. From that day, I never saw those leaves the same way again.Now, I harvest sweet potato leaves regularly. Sometimes I cook them alone with pepper, onions, and palm oil; other times, I mix them with other vegetables. They go well with yam, rice, garri, or even plantain. And the best part? They cook fast and retain their bright green color when handled gently. Whenever I serve them at home, my family enjoys them so much that I’ve started planting more vines just for the leaves.Beyond the taste, these leaves are full of health benefits. They are rich in iron and folic acid, which help the body produce blood and fight weakness. For anyone who feels tired often or looks pale, these leaves are nature’s medicine. They also contain vitamins A and C, which are good for the eyes and skin. Some women even take them after childbirth or during breastfeeding because they help boost milk production. Eating these leaves regularly gives the body energy, improves digestion, and strengthens the immune system. Truly, they are a perfect example of how nature provides healing in the simplest ways.Another thing I admire about sweet potato plants is how easy they are to grow. You don’t need much land or expensive tools. Just cut a few vine stems and plant them directly into the soil. Within days, they begin to sprout and spread across the ground. The vines act like natural ground cover, protecting the soil from erosion and keeping it moist. Even during dry seasons, they remain green and fresh, especially when you water them once in a while. I hardly weed that part of my garden anymore because the vines cover almost everything. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Rest, I’ve got this.”When it’s time to harvest, I don’t cut the vines completely. I only pick the young, tender leaves from the top. This way, the plant keeps growing, and the roots continue forming sweet potatoes underground. It’s like getting two blessings in one food from above and food from below. Sometimes when I dig around, I find the tubers already forming, their pinkish skins peeping through the soil. I always feel a sense of gratitude knowing that the same plant gives me both vegetables and potatoes.Working around the sweet potato patch has taught me a lot about patience and appreciation. Life is truly hidden in the little things we overlook. Who would have thought that these simple green leaves, which many people throw away, could be so nutritious and valuable? Nature hides treasures in plain sight and sweet potato leaves are one of them. Every time I see them spreading across the garden, I’m reminded that we often chase after the big things and forget the small blessings right before us.Sometimes, I cook the leaves in a simple village style just palm oil, pepper, onions, and salt. Other times, I like to make it richer with crayfish and dry fish. The taste never disappoints. When I sit down to eat, I always feel connected to the earth to the soil that gave life to the leaves and to the rain that watered them. It’s a beautiful feeling, one that no store-bought vegetable can replace.Growing sweet potato leaves has also made me appreciate how much we can achieve with what we already have. You don’t need a large farm to enjoy fresh food. Even a small backyard can give you something meaningful if you care for it. When you walk around your compound and see the vines crawling gently along the ground, you’ll realize that there’s life everywhere simple, humble, and full of purpose.So if you have a little piece of land or even a few sacks of soil, plant sweet potatoes. Don’t just wait for the tubers. Enjoy the leaves too. They grow fast, stay green most of the year, and provide healthy meals straight from your garden. You’ll save money, eat better, and feel proud knowing that your food came from your own hands.Each time I harvest those fresh green leaves, I feel joy deep inside. It’s like holding a piece of nature’s kindness. Sweet potato leaves may look ordinary, but to me, they are a daily reminder that beauty and nourishment often come from the simplest things around us.So yes, beneath those creeping vines lies a treasure not just in the tubers but in the leaves that wave gently in the breeze, whispering a quiet message: that life is abundant when we learn to value what we already have.