First early potatoes

[kennethc]

All

I was up on the plot this evening, 20th April, and noticed some of the leaves on my first earlies (Arran Pilots) have gone blackish and some of the leaves have shriveled. I've never seen this before.

Is this a fungal issue or early blight or something else? Unfortunately I didn't have my phone to take a picture.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

Kenneth

[Thelma Sanders]

It's frost damage. With luck they'll grow back again, but earth them up again, as there are more frosts still to come.

[greenishfing]

I agree, definitely frost damage. Make sure all the tops are covered if/when we have more.

[kennethc]

Many thanks Thelma & Greenishfing. I live in the South East and thought frost was past!

[Thelma Sanders]

I live in the South East and thought frost was past!

Here, in Kent it was -0.3 °C at 6 this morning, you need to keep an eye on the local weather forecasts.

[Greenleaves]

Had a frost in Hampshire yesterday and more forecast next week...as said, earth them up

[kennethc]

I will ensure they're fully earthed up and pinch out the damaged leaves.

[Penellype]

Definitely frost damage.

Very likely to be frost next week wherever you are in the UK - it is going to be unusually cold for the time of year. Snow is not impossible either.