We've had two nights of a late frost here in northeast Ohio. I have a row of potato that I had no way to cover and they have frost damage. I've found conflicting information about this situation and wonder if someone here can advise me.
Should I pull the plants? Should I wait, cut them back and see what happens? Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thank you. I appreciate any help.
Rugosa
Potatoes and Frost
Wait before you even cut them back. You will have a few warmer days and you will find new foliage growth. Frosts aren't hard enough to damage the plant under the soil. It is almost like pruning the top of the plant. Please have patience. LOL
Thank you Podster. As you can see, I'm hovering here just waiting for someone's help. I was in a bit of a panic. I went running to my fields at the crack of dawn for the past two mornings and found I'd been bitten by frost after all.
I promise I'll wait until I see new growth and then prune back the dead foliage.
Rugosa
LOL ~ plants have evolved to deal with weathers' aggravations. They'll be fine.
I suspect you are ready for spring and anxious to get to planting too.
Agreed, they may have had a setback but they will keep on going and growing.
Thanks roseone33 and again, Podster. Yes, I'm very ready! I can barely wait. I did truly believe I waited long enough to put the potatoes in. Our last frost date here is May15 and we rarely have frost past May 10 but Mother Nature will fool me every time. I'm growing 14 potato varieties this season. I sell some at the small, rural Farmers Market here and the rest is for my family.
You both have probably been in the dirt for quite a while longer than me since you live so far south. I can only dream of gardening much before April. I have some row cover set up but reserve that for my early lettuces and more tender things I can't live without, LOL. My own produce tastes so much better than store bought, especially here in frozen tundra land. I really wish I had a couple good hoop houses but that's an expensive venture. Maybe someday.
What have you both got growing?
Thanks for your help.
Potatoes went in here at Valentines day. Right now, I have everything growing and even small tomatoes on the vines. But, by the time you get going good, ours will be done due to the sweltering heat. Odd tho, the past two nights got into the 40's. A welcome respite already.
Potatoes evolved where late frosts are common. They can bounce back.
I remember my dad and I putting-in potatoes in the freezing cold of late February when I was growing up in the South West of England - so I assume potatoes can weather some frost.
Last night it dropped into the 40's here in Charlotte, NC - so I brought in the toms, sweet peppers and basil that I had in small pots. The ones in larger pots are on their own. :(
What a strange beginning weather-wise it has been this year!