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looking at my spud patches over recent weeks I've noticed that the leaves are turning yellow and the haulms are falling over...........is it safe to leave the spuds in the ground though

Gerry

I'm no expert, but on Gardeners World, last Friday Monty Don's first earlies - Charlotte were doing that (mine are also) and he said it was nothing to worry about.  It was just caused by lack of water.

Sorry, my fingers typed first earlies, but I meant second earlies.

It probably just means they are done growing and are ready for harvest.  Dig and use as and when but get through in order i.e. first earlies, second earlies, maincrops.

Quote from: freesia on July 14, 2006, 14:05:49
I'm no expert, but on Gardeners World, last Friday Monty Don's first earlies - Charlotte were doing that (mine are also) and he said it was nothing to worry about.  It was just caused by lack of water.

Monty strikes again!

Agree it is nothing to worry about, it is simply the plant maturing and shutting down. First earlies loose their folliage fairly early.

In a damper season they may go on longer but they will die back eventually.

The spuds will be fine under ground for a few weeks but I would like and store second earlies so no nasties can come along and nibble the tubers and reduce their storage life.

Try and lift on a sunny day and leave the spuds on the surface for a few hours so the skins set.

HTH

Jerry