earthing up spuds

[madmarchhare]

I know its too late for this year, but...Can anyone tell me what is the point of earthing up spuds. Some (veteran) guys on our allotments seem to just stick them in to the flat soil, and they come out fine. So is it really worth the effort of earthing up? Im also worried that any spuds that come out of the sides i.e. into the troughs will go green and be wasted. Advice please!

[rustylady]

No, it's not too late for this year. The point of earthing up potatoes is (early in the season) to protect the emerging green shoots from frost and (later in the season) to cover the developing potatoes to stop them going green from exposure to light (green potatoes are poisonous). BTW, there are lots of threads on the Vine about potatoes, you may find the answer to your questions on some of them. Try the "search" button and type in potatoes.

[chuffa]

I think its debatable whether to earth up or not. Earthing up encourages a longer stem to produce tubers but i find it makes little difference. It can aid the lifting of the crop and helps reduce weeds, it also helps to protect against frost early in the year as will any type of covering. I find this ok on heavy or poorly drained soils, as the soil warms up quicker on the sides facing the sun. On well drained soils it is best to keep the moisture thats there by mulching, so there is no need to earth up, but thats my opinion. I grow mine in a no dig method. Putting 4" of compost down then the spuds, then 4" of straw, more compost then more straw. Thats a 16" layer. Does earthing up need to be done, again in my opinion i don't think it does and believe this is a old tradition and if anyone wants to carry on an old tradition, then why not. I think its an individuals decision. Do a test next year earth some up and grow some on the flat.

[Two_Sheds]

here's an earlier thread on the same subject:http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...why_13926.html