I seem to have something wrong with my potatoes. Based on what I have found online I think they are potato fleas, which are apparently harmless, however I would like to make sure. I would hate to have watered and weeded all summer just to find they are diseased when I pull them up.
Also, when can I harvest new potatoes? I also found online that the plant needs to flower, is this true and when should it happen? My plants are about two feet tall.
Thanks!
I don't know about the spots on your leaves but from what i understand, you can pull them up once the leaves brown. We pulled ours up before they browned our first year and they weren't very good. Mine this year have already flowered and they even had little fruit hanging from them.
I think you would know if you're taters were diseased. The leaves would look different, like they were sick instead of being eaten on. Although, my taters have never been diseased so... what do I know. =) Good luck!
Most folks wait till the plants have flowered to harvest "new" potatoes. You should apply some insecticidal soap to your leaves to stop whatever is eating them. This is an organic product and will not harm the plant, http://www.gardenharvestsupply.com/ProductCart/pc/Insecticidal-Soap-c447.htm
I think you have flea beetles. They were eating mine, too, until I sprayed with spinosad about 2 weeks ago. They're currently pest free.
I've read on here somewhere too about sprinkling with talcum powder. I bought some but never had a chance to try it because the spinosad worked.
I've also read that dill is a deterrent. I have tiny dill seedling popping up next to my eggplant and they are untouched, even though they're right next to the potatoes.
Good luck
Ingrid
