Tomato troubles and how best to store potatoes

[toby6668]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me diagnose a problem with my tomato plants. I had been really pleased with the development of the plants and fruit this year but I went away on holiday a couple of weeks ago, leaving my daughter in charge of watering duties, and when I cam back a kind of leaf mould seems to have set in. I have been removing the mouldy bits as fast as I can but seem to be fighting a losing battle. There are still plenty of tomatoes and some are reddening nicely but they are very marked and spotted like the one in the picture. Any advice on what I did wrong is most appreciated.

My second question is about how best to store potatoes. I have a great crop from my allotment and was going to leave them in the ground until I needed them...but the slugs seem to have tucked in and I'd like to save as many as I can. I am guessing that a paper bag in a dark room will be ok...but have heard about 'clamps'. any ideas anyone?

Thanks in advance,

Toby

[rustylady]

That's botrytis on your tomato stems and leaves - not enough ventilation.

The cracking on the fruits could be caused by not enough water - the skins go tough and then split when watered.

As to your spuds, dig them up and let them dry in the sun for a few hours before putting them into paper or hessian sacks. Store somewhere cool and dark.

[toby6668]

Thanks Rusty Lady. That would make sense. I think that I have probably overcrowded them. This is my first year with a greenhouse so was anxious to make the best of it....not appreciating just how big the plants would get!

The watering has probably been....inconsistent (if at all!) whilst I was away.

I'll know for next year at least!

Thanks for the potato advice too. Might struggle to get any sun on them today though :-)

Much appreciated

[rustylady]

Thanks for the potato advice too. Might struggle to get any sun on them today though :-)

Much appreciated

Might be a bit wet to be digging too

[roitelet]

I dig mine and leave them on the shed floor in the dark overnight and then sort them removing all the damaged ones for immediate use and the rest are stored in paper feed sacks in a cool but frost free place. If you have a lot don't fill the sacks as you will need to check them from time to time to remove any that are rotting and rub off the shots.

[toby6668]

Thanks for the info. Now just need to find somewhere to get paper or hessian sacks. Drawn a blank at B and Q!


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[rustylady]

http://www.gardening-naturally.com/a...FUXKtAodAz4A7Q

[WendyC]

Here's one supplier:

Potato Sacks - Cropping, Storing & Harvesting - Thompson & Morgan

Or these:

Potato Sacks|Mr Fothergill's Garden Equipment

Or these:
Jute Naturally Vegetable Sack - £1.99 At Garden4less UK - Free Delivery Available

And loads on a well known auction site!

[roitelet]

Thanks for the info. Now just need to find somewhere to get paper or hessian sacks. Drawn a blank at B and Q!


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Ask a friend who keeps chooks or other animals who's feed comes in large quantities to save the sacks.

[Penellype]

Thanks for the info. Now just need to find somewhere to get paper or hessian sacks. Drawn a blank at B and Q!


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Try a local riding stables or horse owner - they usually have more paper feed sacks than they know what to do with.

[toby6668]

Thanks for the pointers. Good stuff!


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