are-these-potato-harvest-edible-and-healthy-have-brown-scabs-and-cracked-surface

ASunnyAspect GW

Hi

I have just harvested 2 batches of my potatoes (grown from seed potatoes). I have different varieties in different pots. Both types (1 variety per pot) have the same problem. The problem is that they all have brown scabs; plus some look like the skins have been stretched; in fact I'm worried they might?! have been burrowed into.

We are new to growing potatoes, but tried some last year and did NOT have this problem in 2012.

I wonder if it is several problems, perhaps one problem leading to the others. 

I have included at this forum some photos of several of the potatoes.

I have 2 main queries:

1. Can anyone tell me if the potatoes are edible if the skins are removed/peeled? We HAD hoped to boil & eat these with tonight's meal, but sadly now will have to wait for a reply here!!

2. Can anyone help me identify the problem by name so that we can:

(i) research any disease online

(ii) hopefully avoid the same problem when we try growing tatties from a new batch of seed p

 

otatoes, next year.

BTW, we found a slug in one pot & at least 3 snails on the edges of both pots.

Thanks

ASunnyAspect

 

 

 

Palustris

Bad cases of scab there. Right first things fiirst. It is caused by having too much lime in the compost. Secondy, it does not normally make the tubers inedible, but you do need to peel them. Do not put the peelings on the compost heap.

ASunnyAspect GW

Thanks! We didn't want to poison ourselves!

If it helps, some photos of both batches of scabby potatoes are viewable at URL: http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/In-The-Frame/library/Potato scabs - crop of 21Aug2013

Alan4711

Well done Berghill almost all our cara had that, thats good info i didn't know about the lime as our allotment had 12 ton of top soil brought in,next time ill test ,and being just a field 3 years before had 50% ringworm,disaster, cheers for that

Alan

Netherfield

  i would also suggest that some of your potatoes have been a little too dry as well.

ASunnyAspect GW

Thank you for all your help with this. 

You have certainly helped me understand the type of soil I should have for growing potatoes  and whether I can eat the ones I have grown.

ASunnyAspect GW

Thanks! We didn't want to poison ourselves!

If it helps, some photos of both batches of scabby potatoes are viewable at URL: http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/In-The-Frame/library/Potato scabs - crop of 21Aug2013

Green Beanz

what a shame! I had a disaster with one of my second earlies this year but cna't remember which it was - Pentland something or Arran something - anyway, have dug 'em all up and made fab potato gnocchi with the good bits so you could always do that or mash or.... countless other thimgs. I would tend to agree that over aridity may not have helped.

No expert

Potatoes with scab look terrible but are still ok to eat. The problem is your soil has too high a Ph level. use compost, farmyard manure or peat to correct this problem. don't worry about your harvest, they will taste great.

suzanne pickering

thankyou this is very useful

Steve 309

Yes - lots of compost at planting time, and some fresh grass cuttings should make the soil acidic enough.  It's a good idea to dig a 9" deep trench along the row, fill it with garden compost and plant into that.  Then spread a layer (thin - you don't want to cook them!) of fresh grass cutings over the top and cover with soil.

In a container (I've never done this) I should think a 1:1 mixture of soil and garden compost should do.  And a large handful of grass.

There are scab-resistant varities.

Only one slug?