How do I know when to harvest my sweet potato plants?
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/sweet-potato/harvesting-sweet-potatoes.htm
My sweet potato vines are so beautiful vining all over my patio, but last week I noticed holes in a lot of leaves. Lots of them. Anything I can do? I am elderly on a limited budget but love those vines.
It sounds like you have either a flea beetle or a slug problem. These two articles can help you with this:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-are-flea-beetles.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm
You can also try using home made pest control, which can be made cheaply:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/natural-home-pesticides-organic-garden-pest-control.htm
Sweet potato vines look very healthy; however, they are not blooming. Dug around one of the plant roots and found no tubers. I live in Zone 5 and they were planted the end of May.
Tubers normally do not form until later in the season when the plant begins to prepare for winter. Allow them to keep growing.
When will my sweet potatoes be ripe?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/sweet-potato/harvesting-sweet-potatoes.htm
I have recently dug up my sweet potatos for spring planting (ornamental vines). What is the proper method to store these bulbs/potaoes for spring planting?
Let them dry with the dirt on in a warm, dry spot for a few days. When the dirt is all dry, gently brush off any loose dirt (do not wash them) and wrap them in newspaper, then place them in a box. Store in a cool, dry location.
Can I plant sweet potatoes where I planted Brussel sprouts the year before?
I would think as long as the soil and plants in that area had no issues (i.e. pests or disease), then it should be ok to plant them there.
Can you store sweet potato vine bulbs during the winter for planting in the spring?
Yes, just allow the roots to dry for 2-3 hours and then move them to a warm, dry, well ventilated area for 10-14 days. When thoroughly cured, pack them carefully in boxes or baskets and store in a cool, dry, darkened place for the winter.