Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: fozzylozzy on May 09, 2006, 11:11:25

Title: Last year's spuds.
Post by: fozzylozzy on May 09, 2006, 11:11:25
I've got a bit a problem.

Whilst at the lottie on Sunday, I noticed that a couple of spuds from last year that were missed in my digging session have started growing through the soil again. This wouldn't be so much of a problem except a) they've started coming through after I've sown everything on top of them, and b) last years maincrop had blight (I'm not sure whether these are early or main coming through.) :-[ :-[ :-[

What do I do (apart from being 100% extra thorough with next years!!)?

Thanks.

Louisa xx
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: fat larry on May 09, 2006, 11:40:34
previously I've either cut em off as they peep through or dug em up and eaten em, but never really thought of blight problems. Would be interested to know as my whole allotment seems to have 'volunteer' spuds that are nothing to do with my efforts, and lord knows I have enough spuds planted myself
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: glow777 on May 09, 2006, 11:45:40
My biggest spud last year was a great big red spud, which was strange because I didnt plant any - unfortunately it came up in the middle of my onions.

I would err on the side of caution - dig it up due to the blight an if possible re-sow the area
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: David R on May 09, 2006, 11:53:08
Quote from: glow777 on May 09, 2006, 11:45:40
My biggest spud last year was a great big red spud, which was strange because I didnt plant any
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: sandersj89 on May 09, 2006, 11:54:27
One of the main carriers of late blight from season to season are volunteer spuds so it is normally adcised that they are destroyed as soon as you notice them.

I remove them as soon as I see them.

HTH

Jerry
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: fozzylozzy on May 09, 2006, 12:07:56
Looks like I'll be re-seeding then.... :( :( :( :o

Louisa xx
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: fat larry on May 09, 2006, 12:33:57
looks like I'll be digging up most of my plot then :o
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: Tee Gee on May 09, 2006, 16:50:52
Quote from: fat larry on May 09, 2006, 12:33:57
looks like I'll be digging up most of my plot then :o

It should suffice to remove the tops before the spores develop and move on to adjacent plants.

Just leave the old tuber to rot away if it is in a spot where it is difficult to remove without disturbing something new.
Title: Re: Last year's spuds.
Post by: saddad on May 09, 2006, 17:00:32
I've been working this plot for 12 years and some volunteers always get through the selections in August! Be ruthless and keep cutting the tops, they loose interest eventually!
:-[