[GraciesGran]

Husband has decided that we should grow some next year.  This means he will help to plant and harvest them.  I get to do the bit in the midfle!

Any hints/advice would be gratefully received.

[JayG]

There have been several threads about this subject over the years - here's just one of them (make yourself a cup of tea first!  ):

https://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=101119.msg1125236#msg1125236

(Basically, they need plenty of warmth and a long growing season, so luck will play a part, especially if growing them outdoors.)

[mumofstig]

I tried 3 plants in the greenhouse border one year, and all I got was a few that there the shape and size of carrots - so never tried again 

[GraciesGran]

Having second thoughts

[Aunt Sally]

You can buy slips of varieties that are recommended for the UK.  But I’ve never heard a report of success 

Sweet potatoes bought in the supermarket are hot country varieties.

[Kleftiwallah]

(I went to use the 'quote' thingy, ended up watching an avocado and radish? soap cutter)! and no way to get it off the screen.

I tried 3 plants in the greenhouse border one year, and all I got was a few that there the shape and size of carrots - so never tried again 
My sentiments exactly Mum.  Masses and masses of greenery but carroty potatoes.
Cheers,   Tony.

[Marieceleste]

Husband has decided that we should grow some next year.  This means he will help to plant and harvest them.  I get to do the bit in the midfle!

Any hints/advice would be gratefully received.

I have a love hate relationship with growing sweet potatoes. First year in pots...nothing but foliage! Second year in pots but covered with plastic I could see that potatoes were ready to form but didn’t quite make it. Last year, after advice on Instagram I took to my allotment and put them in the ground. I got a few potatoes but misshapen. I figured out I did not add enough sand to make the soil loose like for carrots. This is what I’m doing this year (I vowed I will not stop trying to get a decent crop if it kills me). Mix your compost with horticultural  sand so that it is loose. Make sure you have a little mound. Plant your slips with a little bone meal if you like. Cover with fleece to keep the warmth in. I just lifted a corner of fleece to water them so they don’t dry out. This year I’m using a drip method so the fleece don’t have to be touched. I let the vines provide extra warmth too. This year I’m optimistic. BTW a magnet for slugs. Hopes it works for you if you haven’t changed your mind