Check for evidence of mouse infestation regularly and apply appropriate control measures as needed. Q. My sweet potato roots are covered with black splotches in the skin. The sweet potatoes are still good to eat, although they may not keep as well in storage. Check for varieties resistant to this problem. Too much rain, irrigation or poorly drained soil prevents proper root formation.
Sweet potatoes prefer hot, dry weather once the vines cover the ground.
A. Heavy rains or too much irrigation during the final 3 to 4 weeks before harvest may cause the roots to split, especially if conditions have been dry for a period before late water application begins. A. No, but they should be harvested immediately. The length of time that they can be stored may be reduced and some experts say that taste and quality of the roots may be adversely affected. The true yams belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. These vary greatly in size and need a long, warm growing season.