[GinnyB]

We're first time veg growers and in early March we planted 'rocket' potatoes which have been doing great until today.  We've just discovered that every single plant (42 in total) has died, the bottoms of the plants look green and healthy but the tops have withered and died - they almost look scorched.  The last time they were watered & checked was Monday when they were all looking fine.  It doesn't seem to look like potato blight (but as I said we're not that experienced).  To make matters worse the rabbits ate all the cauliflowers and cabbages as soon as they started to sprout!  Any advice/thoughts on the demise of our potatoes much appreciated...

[mumofstig]

You probably had a hard frost which kills the tops of the potatoes if they are not earthed up fully to protect them when frost is forecast.

[nilsatis1964]

It sounds like frost damage.  They should survive and grow new leaves.  I would leave them in the ground a couple of weeks longer than you were intending and I hope you should be fine.

[GinnyB]

Thanks guys! What a great forum. I didn't realise they were such sensitive little souls, we'll give them plenty of mulch & hope for the best.  Such a shame as we've been getting very excited at watching out first efforts grow.

[grenhouse]

Don't worry Ginny, I planted mine out last year and had the same issue with a very late frost! I though I had lost the lot but they seemed fine. Just fed them plenty and they took a little longer to mature but i didn't seem to have less of a yield than the year before. Stick with them!

Steve