Comments on: How To Grow Amazing Scab-Free Potatoes

By: David

David — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:43:15 +0000

Two things that will cause scab on potatoes are wood ashes and fresh manure.
For most crops, wood ashes are a good source of potassium but never put it where you plan to grow potatoes. It makes the soil somewhat alkaline and spuds like it a bit on the acid side.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:42:51 +0000

James, I agree with what you heard on QR770 – too much manure will encourage scab.

By: James

James — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:21:04 +0000

I planted potatoes about 3 years ago in Calgary, and had just altered the soil with lots of compost manure. The potatoes turned out very scabby. After that I was listening the the Sunday morning Gardening show on AM-QR770 and heard the potatoes were scabby because of too much manure in the soil. I haven’t planted since, so don’t know if it was true.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:25:33 +0000

Shirley, take a look at this link http://www.uoguelph.ca/pdc/Factsheets/PDFs/119PotatoScapGarden.pdf

By: shirley smith

shirley smith — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:13:48 +0000

I have had scabs on my potatoes for four years I rotate garden even made a new bed this year . watering this year was no problem as we have had oodles of rain.. this year in the new bed they are worse than ever I always b]uy seed ,this year it was norland……please help

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:41:20 +0000

From what I’ve read on the internet, it seems that ph levels lower than 5.2 should help reduce scab.

By: Janice Lauzon

Janice Lauzon — Sun, 02 May 2010 19:05:26 +0000

I have had scab problems on my potatoes and we have new soil so crop rotation should not be the problem- I never knew lack of moisture could be the problem – I will keep them watered this year and see if it helps. Does the ph level make any difference to the appearance of scab?

By: bert newton

bert newton — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:41:37 +0000

do you have a remedy to keep infestation off growing turnips/rutabegas. i have been growing them to 8-10 inch in diameter but there are little white worms in them. any ideas?

By: phillip jones

phillip jones — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:57:26 +0000

this is very interesting. ive always wanted to know that. thanks a lot. youve helped me with my health project as well as my garden at home. im sure my potatoes will be scab free this here.
-phillip jones

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:07:47 +0000

Absolutely! This soil can be used anywhere. Right now I’ve got seedlings started indoor that are in that soil mix. I find it doesn’t dry out nearly as fast as regular potting soil.

To amend your soil, try a variety of composts. Different composts have different amounts of different nutrients. Mixing them should balance that out a little. Another thing you may want to consider: Since adding some peat moss to my vegetable garden, I find the soil SOOO much looser and easier to weed. I would also think the roots have an easier time making their way through the soil. Hope that’s helpful!