Gardeners’ Forum: “scabby potatoes”
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Posted by Marlene Gullison on Sunday, May 27, 2007 8:07 pm ADTWe bought a new home, planted a garden. All of the potatoes were so scabby. What causes this and how can I fix it? thanks for any suggestions.
re: scabby potatoes
Posted by Megan on Monday, May 28, 2007 8:08 pm ADTThe soil is the problem, I would give it a good dose of lime then the scab won't live in the soil. Also try to avoid too much manure, it tends to scab them as well. give it a try, might take a year to notice any chance though.
re: scabby potatoes
Posted by Margaret on Monday, May 28, 2007 8:27 pm ADTOnce you get scabby patatoes it takes along while to get rid of them,it's usually caused by putting on fresh manure that isn't well rotted.
re: scabby potatoes
Posted by Angus Mellish on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 10:41 am ADTScab is caused by a bacteria that lives in the soil. Once it is established it can live in the soil for over 5 years without potatoes around. There are a few ways to reduce the amount you have on your potatoes though. 1) Grow resistant varieties. Russets and Norland are more resisant to the disease. Cobblers and Yukon Gold are very susceptible. 2) Water the potatoes when they are setting the tubers. Dry soil when the potatoes are just forming increases the amount of scab. 3) Soil pH below 5.0. Acidic soils reduce the amount of scab. Unfortunately they are not good for the rest of your vegetables so I do not reccomend letting you soil get this acidic in a mixed garden. Also remember that scab is a cosmetic problem, it does not harm the potato or reduce the yield. Best Regards Angus Mellish Veseys Seeds
re: scabby potatoes
Posted by George Norman on Monday, June 18, 2007 7:28 am ADTThe suggestion I have is to rotate your crops. They say to plant your next crop 40 feet from last year's, and don't come back to the original location for at least 4 years. There are also ways to grow potatoes in mulch, which would reduce the contact with the soil.
