[Mr Spud]

Hi, I need some help with my new potatoes! I am growing Nadines, and something is eating the leaves. Do I leave it or spray it, and if so, with what? Novice veggie grower needs advice! Am near London, if that makes any difference!

[DadBear]

Hi, I need some help with my new potatoes! I am growing Nadines, and something is eating the leaves. Do I leave it or spray it, and if so, with what? Novice veggie grower needs advice! Am near London, if that makes any difference!

Hello and welcome... how big are your spuds? if they are near the ground it could be slugs or snails...You can spray tatties with stuff called bordeaux mixture which is meant to keep away the blight, but I think its a bit early for that. I have put Derris dust on mine which keeps away most caterpillar type beasties.. you can get it in garden centres in a puffer pack or in a solution...

[Mr Spud]

Thanks ever so much, I think they are too big for slugs so will definately get some derris dust to try. Will keep you posted! :mrgreen:

[DadBear]

Thanks ever so much, I think they are too big for slugs so will definately get some derris dust to try. Will keep you posted! :mrgreen:

have you seen any caterpillars crawling about... they are top class munchers! most likely candidate i think.

[WG.]

I can't recall ever seeing potato foliage being eaten by insects or caterpillars.  Had a look at Doc Hessayon's book and only thing he says is Capsid Bugs can cause "small brown spots which later turn into holes.  Damage usually too slight to affect yield".  I'd ignore it.

Sure it wasn't just a wee touch of frost?