You know what? When I grew sweet potatoes for the first time I couldn't believe how beautiful and productive those vines were! And then when they got flowers it was even prettier. Where I live it isn't possible to keep them alive year 'round but if you live in an area without frost I don't see why you couldn't do such a thing. I'm no expert and others may have more to interject here but just thought I would add my opnion for what it's worth.

:) Angie

I like your attitude and I like your idea. On top of that, sweet potato are a nutritional powerhouse. If I were you, I would even keep rabbits (choose breed carefully, and give them a nice cool spot, because heat is a problem for them), because they can prosper on sweet potato leaves alone, so that the same plant would solve your starch and meat problems at once (rabbit meat has about the same iron content as beef). We always prepare rabbit with winter squash, by the way, and SP is close in taste.

Be also aware that the foliage is liked by just about vegetarian critter in the world, not just domesticated rabbits, so be prepared for a fight. They can be worse than the neighbors.

That's a good idea. I wouldn't worry about competition from other animals. If the entire yard is full of potatoes then there is plenty to share.

I know this is an old post but… you can eat the sweet potato leaves! Sauté with chopped garlic!