My runners never make potatoes along the vines. Maybe a few do for some people, but I would not think it is desirable to do that. So keep the papers.

what variety of Sweet Potatoe are you Growing ?

I'd keep the newspapers in place. There is a difference of opinion among good gardeners, about whether or not to let the vines root. I'm of the opinion that it's better not to. But whichever way you come down on that issue, it would still be to your advantage, to control those weeds.

George
Tahlequah, OK

I planted 7 beauregard (spelling) sweet potatoes last year. I planted them in 2 rows about 2 feet apart. Those boogers took over the entire garden by the time they were ready to harvest. fortunately, the rest of my garden was done by then (except for a handful of peppers, which didn't seem bothered by them)

They spread out and set roots about every 3 to 5 feet. I found potatoes over the ENTIRE space they spanned out. In fact I've now found new growth coming up in my garden at the very edges of the garden on 2 opposite sides where apparently potatoes were not discovered and left in the ground.

I filled about 4 or 5 five gallon buckets with potatoes ranging in size. LOTS OF TATERS and they were sure good.

I remember asking for advice on them last year and someone told me that if you sever the runners from the main plant as they spread that they will become their own plant and the potatoes will be bigger. (kinda like with strawberry runners)

This year I took a bunch of the fingerling slzed spuds and cut them in half and rooted them and then took the slips from them and potted those up (I'm selling them) and I have a ton of plants now to sell or give away.