[Yorky]

I manured / leaf-moulded the raised beds last Autumn & then covered them in black plastic.

I sowed first early seed potatoes last week and replaced the black plastic to keep the soil warm & to protect them from frost/heavy rain. I intend to remove the plastic when the top of the haulms are visible.

Would there be any problems associated with this method?

[jameswburke]

[Lius]

Last year I put my first earlies down in my raised bed at the beginning of March and made a frame by looping 3/4" PVC pipes and draped clear plastic over it. It worked well at keeping the frost off but there was always a lot of condendation on the inside of the plastic. One of the experts on this site told me that this could lead to mould and other problems so this year I'm going back to fleece which allows excess moisture to evaporate and I'm also waiting until Paddy's Dy to plant. I'm not sure the extra 2 weeks brings the harvest forward by much.

[michael brenock]

black plastic bad attracts slugs but good to put on overnight to prevent frost. Clear plastic allows in more heat but loses more heat than black plastic. Excessive moisture contributes to moulds and fungi., For my money fleece is the better option.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)