Blight alert

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi all. I have just received an email from the Fight against Blight team warning that there has been a full Smith Period in my area though no incidences of blight reported yet.

Does this mean I should spray my spuds with bordeaux as a precaution? I lost everything to blight last year and I am blowed if I am going to suffer the same this year.

[Two_Sheds]

No! It's much too early for blight. Someone is just trying to flog you some chemicals!

[shirlthegirl43]

Not so Two_Sheds, BlightWatch is for the spud farmers nobody tries to sell you anything, they just send out alerts if the conditions are right for the nasties. I did think it was early but it has been very very warm here the last few days and was wet last night and the night before - prime blight conditions.

[Two_Sheds]

Anyway, why are we both indoors on the Pootah, instead of outside digging and planting? Or drinking and BBQ-ing?

[shirlthegirl43]

Anyway, why are we both indoors on the Pootah, instead of outside digging and planting? Or drinking and BBQ-ing?

I am catching up on laundry and ironing, and alternating that with pootling in the garden (too hot for much digging) and the soil is a bit sticky after the rain too.

[shirlthegirl43]

For anyone wanting to get warnings regarding blight in your own area, here is the website for BlightWatch.

Blightwatch.co.uk - the essential service for professional potato growers

[Wren]

Early blight is a recognized problem along with southern blight for tomato's. If you google early blight you will get more details.

I would take heed Shirl .

Wren

[shirlthegirl43]

Cheers Wren. Think I will make up some bordeaux mixture and spray just to be safe. I would be gutted to lose the spuds a second year in a row.

[scarey55]

If you look at the potatoes and grapevines in my garden, you'll notice a pretty blue sheen on them. We have had a run of good weather here and tomorrow the forecast is rain and, like you Shirley - I'm not taking any chances

[kittykat8]

I has a blight alert yesterday in camborne


Marion

[brooklynodog]

I had a look at blight watch, but it asks for business details etc. Can we join as non trade?

[shirlthegirl43]

I am not trade and I joined.

[TPeers]

I had a look at blight watch, but it asks for business details etc. Can we join as non trade?

Just put n/a in the Job titile and company detail sections - it'll work.

[brooklynodog]

Done that, it works

[gojiberry]

I was only thinking about blight earlier today but like Two Sheds thought it was to early. It usually hits here just as the first earlies are ready for harvesting. However I take the point that it is the conditions rather then the time of year that is the decider. However the number of potatoes I have planted spraying isn't really an option. Just have to keep my fingers crossed.