When do you dig up sweet potatoes?

Question

Planted sprouting yams about 2-3 months ago. The vines have now taken over the garden and don't seem to be done sprawling yet. They are about 12 feet to the edge from the base of the plants. When can we harvest? I actually didn't expect them to do anything.

Answer 1

You should have some now.....you should see some signs around the main stem of the plant...if you plant again next year try this...when the runners get about 2 feet long take a stick and make a hole in the grown...then push part of the runner in the hole and push some dirt over it...it will root and make a new plant...more sweet potatoes....good luck

Answer 2

Most potato varieties are ready to dig in 95 to 110 days after planting.

You will know your potatoes are finished and ready to dig when they begin to yellow.

Let your potatoes dry at least for the day on the soil or on the grass or on drying tables or trays. Under a shade tree for a couple of days if they didn't dry enough in a day.

http://www.industryinet.com/~ruby/potato...

Starting in late summer, you can remove some developing roots while leaving the plant in place. Harvest the main crop of sweet potatoes around the time of the first frost in the fall. Dig below the level of the ridge and gradually move closer toward the plants, removing soil until the fat roots are exposed. Carefully dig under these roots to gauge the depth to dig as you go down the row.

Ideally, the roots should be allowed to dry on the ground for 2 to 3 hours, then placed in a warm room for curing (85°F and 85 percent humidity (if possible) for 10 to 14 days and then stored in a cool (55°F) location. In case of frost, cut the vines from the roots immediately to prevent decay spreading from the vines to the roots and dig sweet potatoes as soon as possible. Cold soil temperatures quickly lessen the roots’ ability to keep in storage.

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/swe...