I think the temperature patern is a factor in potato maturity. That means, if in one place days highs are 75F and nights lows 50F and in another location they are 85F and 60F, then potato plants will mature in shorter time in the latter. But generally, potato plant will mature in 100 to 120 days; That is from sprouting out of ground till harvest. In zone 7/8 (GA) I planted in early March.But we have had a lot of cooler days/nights. So I expect to harvest early in July. I can (hopefully) reach in and get young potatoes from early June on. The flowering and stem texture can tell that too. As the plant gets near harvest time, its stems become woody and turn light brown or pale green. But the best indication will be on the potatoes that you dig out. The skin should be harder and will look like store bought ones. But as long as there is no danger of frost, and plants top have some life, I would leave them in the ground longer.

It sounds like yours are close to being ready to dig. Harvest enough to eat a meal or two from them now. These "new" potatoes are yummy but will not keep for long. Let the vines die back before harvesting any that you don't want to eat right away. Perhaps you can harvest the ugliest plants or most visible plants for early eating and let the others die and dry for good keeping. Days to maturity are guidelines only, the plants don't read them or necessarily obey them. Rain, soil temperature, etc., etc. may all play a part in how long the plants will grow. I hear you on the poor looking plants. The first year my husband was involved in helping with our potato patch, he kept close watch on the plants. He could not understand why they would go from great looking plants to dying plants in a couple weeks time when we had not had frost, insects, or drought. My reminders that they were supposed to do that only made him ask why and how....which I couldn't answer with anything other than "that is how potatoes grow". The harvest was great that year. He puts up with the ugly drying vines for a few weeks now without complaint and helps me find new and unusual varieties to try.

Well, its been two nights since I put up the solar electric fence and all is well. The unit was $99(3 mile - smallest TSC had) plus about $20 for wire and plastic insulators. Hoped it would have been cheaper but was in a rush and very determined...I already had some rebar for posts which I cut into 1/3's and had to buy a few more lengths. Pretty easy. As Grandad suggested, I put the wires at 6" and 12" off the ground and one foot away from the base of the existing fence. I made the gate swing in. The unit is mounted to a 4x4 post and has an on off switch. Still wishing I did this a while ago. Not much corn left...I'm noticing a few late ears trying to form. I may have to hand pollenate these. Every stalk had at least two ears, some have had 3 ears and apparently a couple that may end up with 4 if you include the sucker. I'm curious about watering the garden while/if the fence is on. Any need to be concerned - precautions???lol I have one grounding rod - 3/8 rebar 4' in the ground. Was told rebar would be suffice for this application vs. the more expensive copper grounding rod. I kinda gathered that more/multiple grounding rods made for a stronger shock. Is this true or necessary for this small of a fence? We both tried the fence and felt it...

Don't ask how I pulled that one, but somehow my post made it here...sorry, will take my questions over to the veg forum.=)