Fallen Potatoes

[marigold007]

Hi all,

I'm afraid my second early potato plants have fallen over and died a premature death. They had just started flowering and were about three feet high before a heavy rain came by. There are other plants all along this street that were strained from either wind or heavy rain last night. So, I guess what I would like to know is: are my plants dead? Or could I stand them back up and support them with something until they are ready to dig? I put them in on March 18th and had been chitting them since the end of January. I've attached a picture of them.

Halp! What should I do?!







marigoldmemoirs.blogspot.com

[zazen999]

Mine did that last year; I just left them to get on with it - they soon rose back up again.

If any are broken, you can cut them off.

[lottie dolly]

i am no gardening expert,but from the picture they look ok,just a bit battered,they should be fine,just give it time,will not be long now to harvest,if you still worried,why not have a little look at the roots of 1 plant,by feeling with a hand,or very gently lift with a garden fork,as long as the stems are not severed from the groun then you fine.

[terrier]

I grew spuds in pots last year.There was so much greenery, they looked more like hanging baskets. I was advised on this forum not to cut the foliage down because that was feeding the tubers, so I just left it to trail and I still got a good crop, so unless the stems are actually broken off, just leave them to get on with growing, if you try to straighten them you may do more damage.

[Dipzy]

My spud plants have done the same. Have three bags/sacks on the go and the first one is looking very sorry for itself.

My OH went to the tip the other day and used a bin we no longer have a lid for to help him. Seeing as we have no lid for it he suggested he throw it in with the hard plastics, what do you reckon, drill holes and use it for spuds next year ? What else could I use it for, about 2 foot tall.

[Alice]

Hello Marigold, I don't think there's anything wrong with your potatoes. They must be about ready for eating.
The battered top growth doesn't matter. I've seen fields full like that.
I'd have a dig about under some and see what the potatoes are like. If they're very small wait a couple of weeks and try again.
They'll be fine.

[shirlthegirl43]

My spud plants have done the same. Have three bags/sacks on the go and the first one is looking very sorry for itself.

My OH went to the tip the other day and used a bin we no longer have a lid for to help him. Seeing as we have no lid for it he suggested he throw it in with the hard plastics, what do you reckon, drill holes and use it for spuds next year ? What else could I use it for, about 2 foot tall.

Deffo use the bin for spuds - so long as it is a dark one. The clear plastic bins let the light in and the tubers will go green and be poisonous to eat.

As to the spud foliage marigold - it is fine - don't worry about it and enjoy your spuds when they are ready.

[peanut]

After the heavy rains this last week mine are exactly the same, foliage all over the place, flat and battered.
I've just pushed all my bags closer together in the hope they'll support each other!

[dinky_doo]

you could also use the bin for some nice carrots or some tasty strawberrys just cut a few holes in the side and fill it up plant them out ond away you go

[KayJay]

Same thing happened to mine last year. I was advised to leave them to get on with it. They were fine when dug up. I,m sure yours will be ok .enjoy
Kath

[marigold007]

Well, that's a relief. I've only had homegrown potatoes once. They were delicious. I'm so happy that they have been spared this time. Thanks for the responses.