Potato plants laying over - Advice?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by thedirtysalad, Jun 29, 2020.

  1. thedirtysalad

    thedirtysalad Apprentice Gardener

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    Greetings everyone. Long time lurker- first time poster.
    So, I planted some German Butterball seed potatoes on May 26th... they have been doing really great. Got a good amount of strong foliage on the tops, no holes or discolored leaves, etc. I have about 3-4 chitted and cut up seed potatoes in each of the four 10 gallon grow bags that I'm using. I put in some bone meal when I first planted the seeds in, and last week I sprayed the leaves with some Neem oil as a bit of preventative pest control. I Planted the seeds, and added soil over the foliage as it grew up- repeated that, then added a layer of wood chips/mulch on top of the soil around the stalks when the soil eventually reached the top of the grow bag.
    Everything seemed to be going really well.
    The other day I discovered the foliage on one of the plants has fallen over and is laying down.
    We didn't have a lot of wind or rain that day and the stalks and leaves don't seem to be very discolored or show any rot. (that I can see) Today- we DID get some rain, and now ALL of the greens on my potato plants are laying down. The grow bags are off the ground, and don't sit in water. The stalks are about 15-20 inches tall and don't seem leggy at all... Since this is my first year growing potatoes- I've exhausted both my personal knowledge of this and my internet research, which eventually brought me here.
    I appreciate any help or advice. Thanks in advance.
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I wouldn't worry too much, potato tops tend to fall over. I sometimes support them with canes and string which if you only a few plants is worthwhile.
       
    • Freddy

      Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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      Provided you’ve kept them watered(?) and the stems aren’t snapped, I wouldn’t worry too much. Mine are looking a bit ragged, not surprising given all the high winds we’ve had lately.
       
    • thedirtysalad

      thedirtysalad Apprentice Gardener

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      Thanks for the help. Everything I've watched, read about, and learned- never mentioned this happening, so I was panicked.
      I've watered them regularly, and none of them are snapped at all.
      I'll try to prop them up a bit so that they're not on the ground.
      I was concerned because its only been a month since I planted them and I still have a lot
      of time left until harvest. So I shouldn't forgo the crops and start over?
      Just maintain them as normal and wait them out with fingers crossed. :)
       
    • Mike Allen

      Mike Allen Total Gardener

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      Welcome to the forum.

      As our friends have said. Not to worry. I must admit. I am somewhat amused at your treatment and growing methods. Thing is, the spuds have grown and produced hulms. From now on. Make sure the drainage remains good. All the best.
       
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      That is correct. The top growth usually falls over sooner or later. You will still get a good crop by leaving them down. The stalks can be easily snapped if you tried to lift them back up.
       
    • thedirtysalad

      thedirtysalad Apprentice Gardener

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      Glad to hear that... that's great. Thank you all for the help.
      It's very much appreciated.
       
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