[rjpobrien]

Hello,

I've been reading this forum for a short while now but this is my first post. I decided to try growing some of my own vegetables this year. It's not been a huge success but a great starting point and good fun.

However, I recently took up my Maris Piper potatoes (possibly a bit too early on reflection). These were grown using Marshalls Seeds Grow Sack and as you can see from the photos (i've shared them on my Google Drive, viewable here: https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B55m1VRg0SIJQ2Z1b2hwVW5oRkk/edit), they don't look too good. The one on the left is probably the "best" and the one top right is probably the worst example.

Can someone tell me what the markings are? Is it blight? And what should I do differently to prevent in future? Other potatoes grown in a different sack nearby didn't have the same issue.

Many thanks in advance,
Richard

[deepinthewoods]

it looks like scab, it wont affect the edibility when peeled tho.

[Dan]

Yes, looks like scab to me too. It can affect the keeping quality, but won't affect the flavour or eating quality.

It can be worse if the soil is allowed to dry out during growing, and it's worse in alkaline soils.

Maris Piper aren't known for any level of scab resistance, so next year you may be better off growing a variety that does have some recorded scab resistance - the British Potato Variety database has a comprehensive list, just check it before buying.

[the great composto]

I would agree with scab but I wouldnt let it put me off growing maris piper.  We have had an average year of potatoes but the maris piper performed well and the do make the most lovely roasties!

[rjpobrien]

Thank you all! Really appreciate the help!

Is the trick just to water more regularly so as to avoid the soil going dry to avoid scab? And presumably leave them in a bit longer if I want bigger spuds?

Richard

[deepinthewoods]

use grass clippings as a mulch to increase acidity, or use comfrey, lining the trenches.

[sabrina]

I did not plant potatoes this year but have quite a crop which must be from the small ones I missed . they are very good much to my surprise and so fr no scab.