I grew one as an experiment. Got my tuber from the supermarket and I noticed that it started to grow roots or eyes and that;s when I planted the yam in the ground.

I have been researching this and have found a lot of information on it. There are a few, fairly new, short season varieties developed for northern growers. I want to get a few of these, root them in water, take cuttings of the vines it grows and root those in water to, or root them directly in the small pots of soil in the cold frame. When it is almost warm enough, I will start them in small pots in the cold frame and plant into the garden in the first week of June.

Has anyone done this? How did it turn out? Do they root well in water or soil? Is it necessary to plant them in mounds or can I just plant them in rows in the garden?

I have read that covering the ground in that area with black plastic to heat it up first helps. I'm going to see if I can get some large black plastic pieces that come on the wood shipments to Rona, etc. I believe they throw those out.

Now to find some short season sweet potatoes? Does anyone know where I can get a few of those? I want to grow my own slips and not order them from a catalogue. Is there anyone in the Barrie area that grew the short season variety this year and would part with a few of these in trade? Do they sell these varieties in the grocery stores?

Ianna, Did you have enough time to grow more sweet potatoes through the summer?

Runningtrails: I did a google search and found that there is a blog from southern ontario where they are growing sweet potatoes. Their web site is www.tinyfarmblog.com/2008/06/11/sweet-potatoes.
Other than this, the only other person who grows and sell sweet potatoes that I've heard of is Ken Allen from Kingston. Hope this helps. Marg

Thanks, I'll look at their website.

Sheryl

Mapple Farms has them, in NB in their catalogue. However, they sell the slips for over $1.00 a piece plus shipping!