[Jim T]

:idea: Because of the potato famine I have planted a lot more spuds.

Plotters have said "no good" for various reasons.

But I have taken all precautions like using different beds and using my own recepe (Dont know how to spell it) to guard against slugs and scab.
And I'd wager I'll have lots of spuds for Christmas.

 :twisted: But now someone has said: "Oh No :!: Its no good - not now - The eel worm will get them."

Anyone know what they are talking about and if I should care?

Optimistic Jim

[WG.]

First frost will cut them down - where did you get seed & when did you plant them?.  

Eelworm you either have or you don't.  Wireworm is a problem in former grassland

[Jim T]

First frost will cut them down -
THANK YOU - I will protect agoinst frost

where did you get seed & when did you plant them?.
 
JUST USED some of my harvest of ACCENT earlies, and DESIRE main crop. Also some Cyprus spuds bought from a fruit an veg shop.
Planted in horse poo straw, as suggested recently on this forum

Eelworm you either have or you don't.  Wireworm is a problem in former grassland

ANY PRECAUTIONS i CAN TAKE FOR THESE TWO and what could they do to my spuds :?:

[WG.]

I don't see the point to be honest since newly harvested potatoes won't grow until next year.

[Jim T]

I don't see the point to be honest since newly harvested potatoes won't grow until next year.

 :roll:  :cry:  :twisted:  :cry:
AH ...........now I see. There had to be a snag somewhere.

But you are the first one to tell me that.  :idea: Well then, I'll just hope for a miracle, hoping that nobody told the spuds that.
Cheers.

[WG.]

Maybe you missed this post : http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?p=61736#61736

Your work has not been wasted since the tubers will (mostly) survive and spring forth next year.   Mark the rows - perhaps even sow over with salad crops or fenugreek or mustard.  You can apply manure aon top of the drills before earthing up next year.

[splodger]

perish the thought - but i am going to disagree with WG.

i have successfully chitted half a doz of my first earlies and have planted them in large tyres (for extra insulation from the frost)

as the haulms appear - i shall cover / top up with soil adding tyres as need be.

if / when the weather gets really cold - i have insulated panels for extra protection - i shall be trying other crops out of season using the same technique.

[WG.]

I'd love to hear how you get on with them.  Perhaps your more-benign climate in Hampshire will mean you get away with it.  I've only just lifted a few first-earlies :!:

[splodger]

 will indeed let you know

[muntjac]

plant brassicas in the ground the year before or 2 you want to to grow spuds in if you have eel worm infestation, heavy lime the ground 2oz to square yard this will deter the blighters as  they cannot reproduce in heavy limed ground , this worked for me i grew brassicas on the same ground for 2 years running heavy liming both times  

[purplebat]

plant brassicas in the ground the year before or 2 you want to to grow spuds in if you have eel worm infestation, heavy lime the ground 2oz to square yard this will deter the blighters as  they cannot reproduce in heavy limed ground , this worked for me i grew brassicas on the same ground for 2 years running heavy liming both times  

does this work for wireworm too?

[muntjac]

yups ,,,, most ground bugs dont like the sour soil you get with lime  

[chrissie B]

dose the lime do anything to plants and how long after the lime can you plant , and if my friend brings me a big bag back from uk dose it go off or will iit last indefinatly :?:  :?:  :?:
chrissie b

[WG.]

if my friend brings me a big bag back from uk

Something very sweet in you wanting to reverse the traffic started by Lord Elgin !!!

Okay - most plants like lime in the soil - especially brassicas.  Notable lime haters are potatoes, heathers, rhodedendron, blueberry.

If you keep lime dry it will last indefinitely.

Now I am SURE you can get agricultural lime in Greece.  As I mentioned above, they built the Parthenon out of marble which is basically the same stuff.

Greek dictionary says lime = ασβέστης (asbestis) but doesn't clarify whether this is agricultural lime or slaked lime - sounds suspiciously like builder's lime to me.  Also chalk =  κιμωλία (kimolia) so that might help too

[Trillium]

I can picture this now, WG with a glass of malt in one hand, a Greek dictionary in the other