[brahma]

 I plan to use an old paddock for potatoes, heard somewhere that i need to be selective and choose wed ?? resistive types in a new bed because of weed that might be in the paddock. Any suggestions or ideas, or more information. looking for early's main and late crop once the paddock has been rotavated and tilled

[chimaera]

If there is grass there before there may be a lot of wireworms in the soil if that is what you mean. Some varieties get less attacked by these than others.

[noshed]

There is a risk of wireworm infestation in old grassland apparently so I would stick with earlies in the first year on the grounds that they're in the ground for the least amount of time. I like Pentland Javelin but there's loads to choose from.
I seem to dimly remember that you can control wireworm by growing a green manure like mustard but you'd have to check on that.
Good luck!

[brahma]

Many thanks. Is there a way to test for wire worm. (Personally i would not know one from an ordinary worm if it jumped up and bit me). Or a way of erradication before planting, or do you have to keep planting wire worm resistant crops for a long period ??

[noshed]

This could be a job for Mr Google, here's one link but there's loads more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests_and_diseases/nonflash_index.shtml?wireworm
Seems to be a case of digging and cultivating to get them under control. But you were going to do that anyway so you'll be OK.

[Martin]

I did exactly the same (converting a paddock) last year. I did get some damage, but I still got a usable crop (and am still eating the last of them). My view is, go for it, you haven't got a lot to lose, and as noshed says, you'll be digging and cultivating which is what is needed.

[brahma]

thanks Martin, noshed's link suggest they are not easy to get rid off but you never know and i might be lucky. like the idea though of planting crops that discourage them if anyone has more thoughts on this

[noshed]

Here: http://www.organic.aber.ac.uk/library/Wireworm%20control%20and%20brassica%20green%20manures.htm
is some guff about sowing mustard, so you could give that a go on part of the plot. It will help to condition and fertilise the soil so it won't be wasted anyway.
Kings Seeds sell it for example:
One of the fastest growing of green manures. It is susceptible to clubroot so do not use where this is a problem. Sow by broadcasting seeds from March to early September. Dig in before flowering which can be as little as 3-4 weeks to add humus to the soil

[pete]

Tagetas Minuta is reputed to kill wire worm, bind weed and a whole host of other allotment nasties. You could always edge your paddock with them and/or intersperse your planting and have them edge your potato beds. Therefore the secretion from the Tagetas will get the little blighters and they will leave your spuds alone!!

[brahma]

Greta ideas thanks, i will try a little experiment in different areas and feedback what seems to work

[pete]

Brahma,

When I had my original allotment back in 06 i took it over and it was six feet high in brambles, grass and god knows what. It was full of wireworm and I seriously considered planting Tagetas Minuta just had trouble locating the seed, which is now easier to buy...

Good luck with it and do let me know if it works.  I have read so much that it does I am curious for a field trial!!

[brahma]

I will plant one bed with Tagetas Minuta and one with mustard, luckily they can be a good distance apart so a little field trial might be on here. Rotovator turned up this morning so guess what i will be doing this weekend