First time potato grower

[GrapeGrower]

Quick question - I am growing potatoes in a grow sack. The shoots have now started breaking through the soil and growing leaves. At what stage should I start putting more compost on top - immediately as the leaves start to show? Or should I wait until they all have plenty of leaves?

My second question is when I put earth on top, should the leaves all be completely covered?

Thanks!

[fiskies]

I did the same last year and got good results. I waited until they were about 8 inches high then started gradually added compost on them but always making sure the top couple of inches were visible, this worked for me but I'm sure there will be several different answers. Make sure you harvest at the righ titme too, I got over eager with one and was left dissapointed, I left the rest go on and was rewarded.

[scarletrunner]

When leaves are about 4 inches high keep adding a couple of inches of compost,repeat until sack is almost full,or you can wait until leaves are above sack and then top up,no strict rules on this.For a good crop ensure drainage is sufficient,feed on a regular basis and most important give plenty of water.

[VirginVegGrower]

I chuck compost on top and cover them. They are always back through pretty quick.

[Jono]

When I grew mine in bags I covered completely, and they always poked up again without problems.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I agree with all the above have done both ways side by side in 2 dustbins and found no difference at harvest.

Just remember if there is a chance of frost to protect the greenery. If you have nothing else then cover completely with compost.

Colin

[Florence Fennel]

I topped up with alternate compost and grass clippings. I didn't cover completely but left an inch or two sticking up. I was a bit disappointed with the yield, but I think that may have been down to not enough watering. I have some in the bags again this year, but I'm also trying in the ground for the first time.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Providing you have got good drainage I think it is impossible to over water potatoes when the spuds themselves are growing. In warm weather my bins get a 2 gallon can every other day at least.

Colin