How "Hardy" are spuds?

Digger Tom · « **on:** May 16, 2010, 10:35 »

My potatoes took a real hammering in the recent frost. Went to the site last night to fleece them up & they look realy bad.

I have only ever grown tatties once before & didnt have this problem then.

Just how tough are they, will they come back or shall I bit the bullet & start again?

compostqueen · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2010, 10:43 »

I always think it's just the foliage that gets frosted not the spud underneath. I'd carry on regardless. They should be planted deep enough where the frost can't get them, and if you've earthed them up somewhat that's extra protection

Digger Tom · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2010, 13:04 »

Yea I had earthed them up three times before the frost hit. The mounds are a good 6>8 inches high & the spuds where planted 4 " deep to start with so lets hope they are ok.

campanula · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2010, 13:31 »

not to worry - mine were also decimated. Just sets then back a couple of weeks. If you look closely, you will see plenty of green leafage in the axils which will come through for you. You could maybe give them a bit of extra fertiliser or compost tea and a good saoking - always seems to work wonders.

rockyracoon · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2010, 13:44 »

I've just been out to mine, they too take a hammering last week. On inspection found lots of new shoots so hopefully all is well.

Trillium · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2010, 16:14 »

As said, if you've been earthing up, then it's just the leaf tips getting burned by frost and not the rest of the plant. Leave things and they'll recover nicely (but not the damaged tips).

Digger Tom · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2010, 17:51 »

Quote from: Trillium on May 16, 2010, 16:14

As said, if you've been earthing up, then it's just the leaf tips getting burned by frost and not the rest of the plant. Leave things and they'll recover nicely (but not the damaged tips).

Should I remove the dead leaves?

DD. · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2010, 18:10 »

Leave them be. You could cause more damage. They'll dry off naturally.

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How "Hardy" are spuds?

Digger Tom

How "Hardy" are spuds?

compostqueen

Re: How "Hardy" are spuds?

Digger Tom

Re: How "Hardy" are spuds?

campanula

Re: How "Hardy" are spuds?

rockyracoon

Re: How "Hardy" are spuds?

Trillium

Re: How "Hardy" are spuds?

Digger Tom

Re: How "Hardy" are spuds?

DD.

Re: How "Hardy" are spuds?

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