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Author Topic: Potatoes got by the frost  (Read 2060 times)

wannabesmallholder

  • Joined Jan 2017
Potatoes got by the frost
« on: April 25, 2017, 02:01:43 pm »
In spite of what I thought were my best efforts at earthing up and covering with fleece, my potatoes were got by the frost last night  >:(

That'll teach me for being too keen!

Is there any chance they'll perk up or should I pull up and plant some more while it's still potato planting season?

cans

  • Joined May 2013
Re: Potatoes got by the frost
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2017, 02:37:54 pm »
Hi wannabesmallholder
Sounds like OH last year, despite his best efforts the tips got frosted.
 It set them back a wee bit but once the warmer! weather comes they will catch up. Just make sure you keep earthing up/covering when cold nights forecast


Terry T

  • Joined Sep 2014
  • Norfolk
Re: Potatoes got by the frost
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2017, 05:25:44 pm »
My earlies seem to get caught every year... but soon put on new growth and produce a good crop. I'm always torn between getting them in early and covering up in the frost or getting them in later and having reduced yields because of blight...

Fleecewife

  • Joined May 2010
  • South Lanarkshire
    • ScotHebs
Re: Potatoes got by the frost
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2017, 07:04:40 pm »
Fleece is pretty useless against frost I find.  When you earth up, make sure you draw the soil right over all the foliage - it looks as if you're killing the spuds, but you're not.
We're forecast -7 tonight, and have had snow since yesterday, so I'm pleased we're a bit behind with preparing the tattie patch.
Keep a record of your weather over several years, and eventually you'll arrive at an average last and first frosts date for your garden.  Then plant your tubers about 2 weeks before that date.


They'll keep on growing in spite of the damage.  You could always try digging up a couple to check what's going on below, to set your mind at rest  :garden:
"Let's not talk about what we can do, but do what we can"

There is NO planet B - what are YOU doing to save our home?

Do something today that your future self will thank you for - plant a tree

 Love your soil - it's the lifeblood of your land.

Terry T

  • Joined Sep 2014
  • Norfolk
Re: Potatoes got by the frost
« Reply #4 on: April 26, 2017, 11:40:05 am »
I buy heavy duty fleece which works well but you do need to make sure it doesn't touch the plants. We are only getting temps just below zero however.

 

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