[Rincon]

Hi

I just wondered, how long can I leave potatoes in the ground? Should I cut the tops off at any stage?

Thank you!

[greenjay]

if the tops are healthy and still growing I leave the tops on unless you don't want them to grow anymore. just keep an eye out for signs of blight.
as for leaving them in the ground slugs and mice can be a problem.

[mumofstig]

They will die back when they have finished growing, you can then remove foliage to tidy up - just don't forget where they are. Once the tops have died back they won't get blight underground.

As already said slugs and mice can be a problem, and also wet rots on heavy soil, if we do ever get any rain this year

[Rincon]

thats perfect, thank you!

Didnt think about mice and slugs - between the 2 Ive already lost plants and peas, however if this weather keeps up there wont be any wet rot haha

Thank you!

[Veg Plot 1B]

Why are some spud green?

[Rincon]

Why are some spud green?

Its when the sunlight gets to them so not enough soil covering them. You shouldnt eat too many green ones either (if any) as if green they are also producing chlorophyll and solanine, a natural toxin that causes nausea and other intestinal upsets. Think potatoes are part of the deadly nightshade family too. You can just cut the green bit off.

[Veg Plot 1B]

Thanks Rincon

[New shoot]

If potatoes are green you should be wary.  The green itself isn't an issue as that is just chlorophyll, but it is also an indicator that solanine is being produced.  That doesn't show as a colour, so cutting bits off won't guarantee they are OK to eat.

Thickly peeling them can get rid of most of the risk if there is just an odd bit of green.  If there is a lot of it, chuck them.

[Yorkie]

I've dug up Charlottes the following March … !