It seems to me that the potatoes this year were
smaller than in past years...have I lost adaption, or do you think it
was just the drought?
They need water but less than you might think. Here in Phoenix I cut
up two sweets a couple years ago and planted the chunks in some
imported topsoil that filled behind a new retaining wall. I can
report that sweet potatoes thrive in heat. The vines threatened to
take over the place. More potatoes than we could use. Did not water
excessively; the foliage was so thick that it made shade for the roots.
When I am full-time at Heartwood the crop is typically more than we
eat so instead of making and planting slips I cut up and plant pieces
as with white potatoes.
Btw, Chris and I have become sweet potato fry enthusiasts. Made like
French fries and dipped. Yum!