I'm thinking of growing some yams/ sweet potatoes. I am living in southern Ontario Canada and don't know of anyone who has grown these. Wondering if there are tips, advice etc. I grow potatoes and figure it's the same but would like any advice. Thanks in advance!!!

Hi, just saw your post!

Sweet potatoes need a long growing season... I think most of them are well over 100 days, plus they like hot weather. I tried growing them one time and of course it turned out to be our coldest summer on record (or at least it seemed that way). If I tried them again I would definitely grow them inside a "low tunnel" to extend their season and provide additional warmth.

On the upside, the vines and leaves are edible, as well as the tubers

It is not the same as growing ordinary potatoes.
You need to start in winter to grow the slips.
Unless perhaps some gardening center near you sells the slips.
There are short season varieties.

Caroline is absolutely right -- I didn't think to add the part about starting or buying the "slips."

I tried it in Mid-Minnesota for several years and it was not worth the effort, period.

I am still going to try, although these slips do not seem that healthy.
They really need heat! And the fluorescent lights don't seem to give enough light. I have one in a south window and it seems to be throwing a vine. It is an experiment!

http://m.startribune.com/a-swe...

I've found it easy enough to start the "slips" -- to get them to produce tubers, not so much.