Q: I planted ‘Georgia Jet’ sweet potatoes this year for the first time. How do I know when to start harvesting them?

A: You can wait to harvest them until just before the first frost is predicted. Gently lift them out of the ground with a spading fork. Let the tubers dry in a warm, dry spot for a week. This causes the skin to toughen, or “suberize”. Store in a dark, dry place until you are ready to cook them.