A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum Vegetable Gardening Renegade Cows ate my potato plants

Sounds crazy, but its true! Our potato plants are in the flowering stage, with a great looking crop underneath. This morning we wake to find many of our plants have been "topped" by a neighbor's loose cows! Does anyone know if this will stop development? Should we go ahead and dig? Thanks for any input.

Krista in Louisiana

Not sure, but as a cattle owner myself I can tell you that your neighbours should fix up with any loss caused to you. Even if it can only be replaced with potatoes from the local grocery store.

Is there any foliage left? If there is I'd say leave them alone. Wait for whats left of the foliage to brown & die off then dig.

Girl....
I'd be having a little "steak" with my potatoes if our neigbors cows did that to my garden! ;-)

Thanks for your comments. Helps just knowing others share my pain! The foliage is still holding strong, so we're just gonna watch and wait. My husband is on night watch, so far no more visiting cows! Glad to have found this site anyhow, lots of good info. Thanks again.

Krista