Question
I am growing potatoes in my garden.  The plants were gorgeous and big.  The green bushes are all dying back now.  Should I did the potatoes now?  Can they be left in the ground?  I have also been finding white grub like worms when I have dug up some potatoes to eat.  The potatoes look fine and do not look like they have been eaten at all.  Should I treat for the worms?  Thanks for the help.

Answer
Kathy, once the foliage dies back, the bulbs should be harvested.  The roots will not continue to grow since they get their food from the foliage.

Since you will be harvesting, I would not worry about the worms.  In the future, however, both worms and caterpillars can be controlled with a product called BT, short for bacillus thuringiensis, more commonly sold under the brand names Dipel or MVP. It is a dust that is non-toxic to humans and beneficials but highly effective against caterpillars and hornworms.  You can purchase this product through on-line catalogs such as Gardens Alive or locally at many garden centers.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike.