[Rachel]

Hi All

I joined the forum recently what a great site!  This is my first question though (all the rest have been answered through previous threads).

I'm new to the allotment game and took my very overgrown plot on at Christmas.  So far I've spent most of the time clearing it but have managed to get a few its and bobs in the ground to make a start.  
 
I've been to allotment today to find that some of my earlies are starting to get a purple tinge to the leaves.  They've been a while and have been doing really well.  Some of them are just coming into flower so I think they're not far off being ready (?!).  We have had quite a bit of rain recently (I'm in Birmingham) could this have affected them, is the foliage starting to die off or have they got some nasty bug?

Any ideas i'd be really grateful.

Thanks in anticipation!

Rachel

[WG.]

Could simply be the variety.  Could also be the slightest touch of frost (is it at the edges)?  Too early for Potato Blight.

Keep an eye on it & post a picture if you can.  Oh! and welcome to the forum

[WG.]

Do they look like the picture on this thread ? : http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=5259

[Rachel]

Thanks Whiskey Golf,

It is mainly at the edges yes, no so much like the picture less spotty more spread.  

Having looked about at other topics from the past couple of days someone has said that the midlands is expecting frost this week so that may well be it.  

Do you think it will damage the spuds they're still well covered or should I get them out early just in case?

Rachel

[richyrich7]

Could it be air pollution ? according to This article from canada air quality can affect pots. They describe it as a bronzing comes from infernal combustion engines etc

[shaun]

i'm growing a type called bonnie and there leaves have a purple tinge

[WG.]

Do you think it will damage the spuds they're still well covered or should I get them out early just in case?

Rachel

Don't dig them up unless a positive identification of something 'orrible comes along.  What variety are they please?

[Rachel]

There either Rocket or Desiree, I can't remeber which were my earlies without looking at the the tag (rubbish memory) .  I think they are Rocket though.  It only happened on some so I'm not sure its the variety, and it doesn't seem to have affected thier vigor.  

I'll keep an eye out and try to post a picture.  Away this weekend though typically so will have to ask soneone else to keep watch.

Thanks for your help guys, will keep you informed on progress.

Rachel

[yummy]

I'm close to you and found on Wednesday that the frost has bitten mine and the edges looked purple.