Pototo help ...... mould

Cavan28

Hi Hope you can all help or at least advise! I have planted pototoes in a big grow bag, large pot and a black bag. I water them daily but now i have noticed mould growing on the surface of the compost in the black bag??? Is this normal? I have also noticed its starting to appear on the surface of the compost in the large pot?? Thanks for your help

tim_n

I'd not worry too much - though you might be overwatering. Mould loves dampness.

Potato plants really don't need too much fuss. You only need to water when the soil is no longer damp - stick your finger in and see whether the soil underneath is still damp rather than just the surface. At this time of year, I'd probably give them a drop of water once or twice a week tops.

Last year I left my potato plants out in a tub on my allotment. I perhaps watered them once or twice a week even then.

Cut back on the watering and the mould will probably just die off on its own.

jabba4

Like Tim says, you're probably giving them too much water at this stage. Cut back until the top growth is really growing well.


The only point I'd make is that if the bags are deep the lower half can sometimes be bone-dry even if you've given them a real good soaking. I poke a hose down the side of the bag to make sure the compost gets a real soaking every few days (once they're growing well that is).

Dave101t

the bigger the pot or sack, the more water is retained, id only water once every 4 days, if that. the surface cm might be dry but poke your finger down and you will see all the moisture is there!

jabba4

Yeah , but your finger is only a couple of inches long. Poke your arm down and you'll see that the bottom tends to be pretty dry ubless you give them a real good drenching to begin with.