Kumara vines spread some distance, mine travel more than 3m. Some thought needs tobe madeon the location fora good sized Kumara patch.

A sunny spot with access to water is ideal, and away from the sheep.My second season was almost wiped out when our sheep found the Kumara patch and ate the vines down to the ground.

Unlike New Zealand central France can get very dry and Kumara need moisture to do well.

I tried growing Kumara in a mixture of straw and hot composted sheep manure, this method may workfor potatoes but not Kumara. My conclusion is Kumara need dirt.

The best Kumara that I have grown is where the top 30cm of soil is free, fertile and  moist. Below the 30cm a firmer soil helps the Kumara to develop and you don't dig as far to find your harvest.

I have  incorporated over several seasons a large amount of hot composted manure and straw into this top 30cm.

My polytunnel is 150m^2  and has had 18 tonne of compost added, and I will continue adding in the coming seasons. Hot composting makes fantastic soil, which now is full of worms.

If you study the photo you will see biochar addition. I made my own in a charcoalpit, activated with steam, and soaked in manure tea for several weeks. This reduces nitrogen draw when initially adding biochar.

I have practiced rotating the crop position each year, but unsure if this is completely neccessary.  Ensure the soil gets enough water prior to planting, so it is moist to depth and it has warmed up. Rule of thumb is, if you sit on the soil for some time its warm enough.

Provided no frosts come, cooler nights will stop growth and the leaves may see a slight purple edge. Don't worry the plants will takeoff when the temperature is right.