Can someone tell me if now is the time to plant sweet potatoes? I have not tried growing them before. Also, can I plant the whole potato like I do with the red ones? Also, what kind of yield might I expect?

Thanks for your help.

gbell,
Wherever you are located, plant after last chance of frost in the spring.
Recommend you do not plant the whole potato. Sweet potatoes are normally grown from 'slips'.
Yield depends on soil and moisture conditions and care given to 'em.
Recommend you contact your local County AgriLife Extension Agent and Master Gardener organization - and peruse the following sites for info:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/gr_fruits ... 47,00.html

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/p ... c1322.html

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/sweetpotato1.html

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/fb/sweetpo2 ... m#Planting

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-136.pdf

From Howard's blog:

They are actually very easy to grow. The two biggest obstacles are cold and contaminated soil. They will grow in fairly heavy soils but like sandy soils best. Wait till the soil is warm in the early summer and plant healthy slips which are vegetative sprouts. Biologically active soil will take care of the few pests that attack the tubers. Use quality compost, Garrett Juice Plus, bacterial and mycorrhizal products. And - don't forget to eat the peeling - it's like dessert. If you are eating non-organic sweet potatoes, don't eat the peelings. That's where the toxins collect.