On Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:57:42 +0100, Ed ex@directory wrote:

A few guys at my allotment site have recently cut the haulms off their
maincrop potatoes. They give two reasons for this practice:

Firstly, it considerably reduces the risk of infection by blight.
Secondly, it prevents nutrients and plant energy going into the
production of the potato fruit/seeds.

As this is my first year at growing potatoes , I would welcome any
advice/comments as to cutting the haulms off at this time of year and
leaving the tubers in the ground until harvest time.

Ed
(SE England)

Ed, I took all the top growth off my potatoes a while ago, before
blight showed itself, in order to avoid the blight getting into the
plants. The potatoes won't go on swelling though.
You are right that the flowers and fruit on potatoes will sap
nutrients. In this case all you need to do is remove the flowers as
they show.

Pam in Bristol