[casper]

Do people actually successfully grow sweet potatoes in this country? Have I left it too late to plop mine in some water for tubers? My son suffers a rare disease called Phenylketonuria disorder or pku for short, basically means he cannot break down protein in his body, therefore a protein restricted diet is needed and believe it or not ordinary potatoes are high in protein so have to be given to him in weighed amounts, however sweet potatoes are allowed to be eat freely, costs me a bomb and go through tons of them, would I be able to grow sweet potatoes in Liverpool??  

[casper]

Haha dunno wot went wrong with the smiley faces lol

[mumofstig]

You can, but yield can be variable - unless you can make conditions perfect.

Have you not see the thread that runs every year 
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=111392.msg1261658#msg1261658

[Eightball]

If you have a poly tunnel or greenhouse it might be worth a go. They need pretty high temperatures (21-26) so unless we continue to get nice summers like last year it may be tricky to plant outdoors, especially up north.

[casper]

Have I left it too late to get tubers, I have only just plopped one in some water, do I need more than one potato for tubers?? Many thanks

[rowan57]

Gut feel says that no matter whether you have a polytunnel or Greenhouse you won't be able to produce enough sweet potatoes to make a dent in your requirement. Sweet Potatoes like it HOT HOT HOT, not just warm, for best results ideally 25-30c everyday. Have you tried buying from one of the more economical retailers (Lidl, Aldi)? Or a local market?

P.s. I used to grow Sweet Pots semi-commercially in Kenya.

[casper]

Yes I do buy from Aldi and Lidl, they have such nice quality potatoes, the nices recent ones I have had were Morrisons, anyway like the idea of trying my own but if I can create the right condition maybe a no go 

[casper]

Okay whats a slip? I know what a root is, sorry help please thanks..

[rowan57]

The 'slip' is the shoot that comes out of the potato when it starts to grow, generally planted at around 4-6" long if I am remembering the length correctly. This 'slip' is how sweet pots are generally propagated and will appear if you suspend the potato in water. Google 'Sweet Potato Slip' on Images if my explanation isn't clear

No reason not to have a go, but don't rely on homegrown for sustenance!

[casper]

Aaaaaah thanks yes I dont suppose you can ever count on sustainability but would love to just grow 1 or 2 thanks for the help

[3759allen]

i'm trying them this year, but have had trouble getting slips and one of my slips has died after potting in compost.

i will make a thread if they work or not by the end of the summer.

i'm trying mine in the poly tunnel, but if still not hot enough i'm thinking of putting a poly tube on the bed inside the tunnel to try and increase the temperature. not sure if this will be too humid. i will keep everyone posted with any results.

they do sell slips on the internet, not cheap especially if it's just as a trial.

[casper]

Yeah I reckon home grown slips are more rewarding haha says me who has never seen or grown one,  but the most economical option had to be the best one surely 

[Eightball]

just remember that if you make slips from sweet potatoes bought from a supermarket that they are probably not grown in the uk climate so maybe not so well adapted to our climate. Worth a go though.

Had a quick look online and DT brown are selling 10 slips for £11.95; may be able to find cheaper, I only looked briefly! I would imagine they are more suited to the uk climate. Expensive initially but then you can make your own slips after your first years harvest and never have to buy them again.

[RookieJim]

I managed to grow some last year after Mrs Jim bought some plants online somewhere. Despite the long summer we had the crop was not good at all. Only about 6 decent sized tubers from 3 plants with the rest looking like skinny wee fingers.

They're not on my list for this year due to the disappointing crop.

Jim

[rowan57]

Sweet Potatoes are a hot country crop, I would say any harvest is a bonus in this country!