Back from holiday and Potatoes look poorly

[fleecymango]

Hey,

We arrived home from a very lovely holiday yesterday to a garden that has grown an awful lot since we left, which was rather lovely. BUT... our potatoes aren't looking too good.

It has been hot and then very wet here in a short space of time.

We have had a kind neighbour come and water on the hot days.

The potatoe stems have collapsed and fallen over.

They are black and slightly manky. A lot of the leaves have rotted.

We have grown them in sacks and my husband put them all very tight and close together which hasn't really let the air flow through.

Looking it up, we may have black leg or rot. I am going to cut off all the leaves and dig up the potatoes. Hope they are ok.

Is the soil save to use, or what should be done with it? Can we use it again or is it best to destroy it? Its about 7 bags of potatoes so quite upset, but nevermind.

Any help with what to do with the soil would be great.

Cheers