Potato problem

Redgend

Hi there, 

I’m hoping someone can help me identify the problem I have with my potatoes. In the past week the leaves have started to go black and wilt. They are very wet to the touch.

i have cut the affected leaves off, but am concerned this may not be enough.

this problem seems to also be affecting some nearby sweet corn plants as well.

thanks for your help!

KeenOnGreen

Probably frost damage.  Much of the UK has had a drop in temperature over the past few days.  Your potatoes should have been covered, with a tarpaulin or some horticultural fleece or similar.  They will hopefully recovery, as the tuber is probably not damaged.  Keep a lookout for any other late frosts in your area, and try to cover them if possible.

I would say it is too early to be planting out Sweecorn, although I'm not very experience at growing them.  Ours are still in the greenhouse, and we will be hardening them off over the next few weeks.  Probably won't plant them out until June.

Dovefromabove

I agree that’s frost damage. Earthing up nice and deep would have helped but that’s being wise after the event. It’ll delay the crop by a couple of weeks but otherwise they’ll be fine. 

Remove the black bits and earth up or cover with fleece ... theres more frost forecast tonight ... especially in the south of the UK I think I heard them say. 

Not sure about the corn ... I don’t plant mine out until mid June ... try to protect them tonight if you can, if you’re in an area where frost is forecast. 

Good luck. 👍 

Redgend

Thanks guys! A learning experience for a newbie gardener, I think.