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Couple of questions regarding tomatoes and potatoes

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  • #1

    Couple of questions regarding tomatoes and potatoes

    Firstly, I'm looking at planting a few early tomato plants in the next week or so. Last year though the greenhouse was decimated with leaf mould and we lost about 60-70% of the crop. Not sure what varieties we had as they were plants that were leftover at a nursery that we took. So, is it possible to get tomato plants that are resistant to leaf mould, and if so, which variety has the best resistance and more importantly, flavour.

    Secondly, when should I be looking at planting potatoes?? Would like to plant all different kinds so we have potatoes throughout the year.

    Thanks in advance!!
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  • #2
    Tomato leaf mould is caused by a fungus, and can be largely prevented with good greenhouse hygiene; it can overwinter in the greenhouse and persist the following year.

    Good ventilation in the greenhouse helps, with plants well spaced out.
    Avoid splashing the leaves when watering (water the roots not the leaves).
    Promptly remove any infected leaves.
    Disinfect the entire greenhouse & destroy all the plants at the end of the season.

    Resistant varieties are 'Dombello' and 'Shirley', but you'll probably do better by growing your own plants from seed, than buying in potentially infected plants from a nursery.
    All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by rodofgod76 View Post
      when should I be looking at planting potatoes?
      They are tender, so you don't plant them until after your last frost. Easter is traditional ... mine go in end of March. All varieties at the same time. Maincrops just stay in the ground longer than earlies.
      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
        Tomato leaf mould is caused by a fungus, and can be largely prevented with good greenhouse hygiene; it can overwinter in the greenhouse and persist the following year.

        Good ventilation in the greenhouse helps, with plants well spaced out.
        Avoid splashing the leaves when watering (water the roots not the leaves).
        Promptly remove any infected leaves.
        Disinfect the entire greenhouse & destroy all the plants at the end of the season.

        Resistant varieties are 'Dombello' and 'Shirley', but you'll probably do better by growing your own plants from seed, than buying in potentially infected plants from a nursery.
        Was already thinking of growing Shirley. What's the best way to disinfect the greenhouse before I start growing things in there again?? Sulphur candle? Or are they a no no these days?

        Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
        They are tender, so you don't plant them until after your last frost. Easter is traditional ... mine go in end of March. All varieties at the same time. Maincrops just stay in the ground longer than earlies.
        Thanks for that Two_Sheds. Got a leaflet the other day for an "Organic Gardeners Association: Potato Day" at the end of January, think I'll have a look down there. If I buy seed potatoes at the end of January will they be alright to keep until Easter?? Or should I hold off?

        Also, I grow the potatoes in big plastic planters, however, the Carlingford's I planted late summer for Christmas were all wiped out by blight. 4kg's of seed potatoes wasted. Will I be ok to use those planters again? Will they need disinfecting?? And what's the chances of it happening again?

        Sorry for all the questions!!

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        • #5
          I planted my potatoes early(feb/march) last year, but I dont think I gained much. The weather is cold now, last year it was a lot warmer.
          But if climate change may be back this summer, it has been colder due to La nina and other things. Lets hope for a good early spring/summer.

          FG

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          • #6
            Originally posted by rodofgod76 View Post
            Also, I grow the potatoes in big plastic planters, however, the Carlingford's I planted late summer for Christmas were all wiped out by blight. 4kg's of seed potatoes wasted. Will I be ok to use those planters again? Will they need disinfecting?? And what's the chances of it happening again?

            Sorry for all the questions!!
            Yes you could re-use the planters if they are disinfected properly.
            To be honest if they were outside in this weather it would kill anything on them but disinfect for sure.
            You can use a product called dithane 945 to prevent blight in your potatoes and tomatoes. You should use it weekly as a religion and it will help stop blight.
            Try and put your planters in a breezy place and make sure they get plenty of fresh air and not stuck in some muggy corner where blight will spread.
            Potato videos here.

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            • #7
              Clean the greenhouse with a dilute mixture of ***** fluid, this means windows metal work and floor and make sure you have removed any debris in the greenhouse first.

              If you prefer a natural disinfectant then you could use Citrox Disinfectant.

              Cheers Chris
              _____________
              Cheers Chris

              Beware Greeks bearing gifts, or have you already got a wooden horse?... hehe.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by rodofgod76 View Post
                the Carlingford's I planted late summer for Christmas were all wiped out by blight. ....And what's the chances of it happening again?
                Well, blight comes along in August or thereabouts. If you want to avoid it, then don't grow spuds in late summer.
                Plant some 1st earlies instead, which should be up and out of the ground before blight strikes.
                All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by rodofgod76 View Post
                  If I buy seed potatoes at the end of January will they be alright to keep until Easter?
                  Everyone is in the same boat... but just because seed spuds are available, doesn't mean you can rush out and plant them. Same with any other seeds.

                  Buy your spuds at Potato Day (I wish I had one). Don't do mad, do your research first.
                  As I suggested, grow earlies if blight is a problem. You may be wasting your time & money trying to grow maincrops.

                  I have my seed potatoes in the cold dark fridge to stop them chitting (sprouting) too soon.
                  About a month before I plant (end of March, depending on weather), I will put them in the light to chit (grow strong green shoots).
                  All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                  • #10
                    Thanks!!

                    Any recommendations on first early potatoes then? Will I be okay planting some second earlies too when the time comes?

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                    • #11
                      Popped into Wilkinsons earlier on my way home from the Newcastle match and noticed they had load of seed potatoes in. Unable to resist I bought a 3kg bag of Arran Pilot's for £3 and have placed them in a black bag and put them in the salad drawer of my parents fridge. Will they be okay in there for a month or so??
                      Last edited by rodofgod76; 10-01-2009, 08:26 PM.

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