[Q]

Just received an email from blightwatch this morning saying that blight conditions have been met over the last two days.
I think that must be  a record for this early in the year - my spuds are only just poking out of the soil.

Am I right in thinking that bordeaux mixture is banned nowadays - not sure if there's anything else available to protect them

G'bye spuds of 2016 !

[henchard]

I think Bordeaux mixture is no longer licensed but you could grow resistant varieties.

However, I have heard (no idea if it's true) that some French gardners string copper wires above the plants and the rain causes copper sulphate(?) to drop on the leaves.

Others say that Asprin spray works (again just passing on heresay).

Edit: I knew I didn't dream it.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/trouble-in-the-vegetable-patch-break-out-the-aspirin-it-nips-pesky-blights-in-the-bud-9349916.html

[Fleecewife]

Make a tea from willow bark - salicylic acid, same active ingredient.  I grow resistant varieties, but I'll keep an eye out and willow bark handy 

[Louise Gaunt]

My potatoes are just recovering from being frosted! Not enough growth yet to get blighted, I hope 

[devonlady]

I was once told that a spray made from horse tail is effective. There has to be something beneficial from the ruddy stuff!

[MAK]

Our potatoes have just shown their heads and when the sun came out so did the first Colorado beetle. bad news for the 900 seed potatoes that I planted in my old neighbors garden. yes 900 for one old lady who lives alone. 

[pgkevet]

You can make your own bordeaux mixture.. ingredients from ebay are cheap enough.. recipe on wikepedia.