Topic: Brown/black potatoes

[Gordonmull]

Hi folks

I found my potatoes in this state today. They have been under fleece since they started showing. First two photos are to give you an idea of the plants' size and the other two show the damage. My gut feeling is frost damage. Should I be earthing up?

Maris bard, nicola and romano, all affected.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57278801@N04/7148178947/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57278801@N04/7148179197/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57278801@N04/7148178565/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57278801@N04/7002090228/in/photostream


Cheers

Gord

[PAULW]

Def looks like frost damage, yes I would earth up I always earth up when I plant then I dont have to run around like a headless chicken at the first threat of frost

[Ellen K]

You know, it doesn't look too bad - when all that's left is a bit of stalk covered in black slime, that is the time to kick yourself.  But yes, earth up but keep the fleece on as well -  they burst through the earth in a day or two.

[Crystalmoon]

Have you got any grass cuttings handy? Doesnt matter if fresh or partly rotted. I always 'earth' up my spuds with grass cuttings as I dont plant deep due to arthritis making it very hard for me to dig them up when harvesting.  The grass keeps them nice & warm xjane

[Gordonmull]

Thanks.

All earthed up and snug under their fleece. I should have probably asked this first but in earthing up I've completely covered them in topsoil left over from when I prepared the ground to lay the paving slabs for the greenhouse. Not a speck of green remains visible.  

I started using the soil from in between the rows but it looked like I was going to have great big trenches if I did that and I didn't want to deprive the plants of soil space.

Was that right? First time I've grown potatoes, so completely clueless.

I'll bear the lawn clippings in mind. Food and warmth combined!