How to Earth Up Potatoes Properly

Earthing up potatoes is a simple but essential job that protects developing tubers, improves yields, and prevents potatoes from turning green. Done correctly, it helps plants grow stronger and produce more potatoes.

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What Does Earthing Up Mean?

Earthing up is the process of pulling soil up around the base of potato plants as they grow.

This:

• Covers emerging stems
• Encourages more tubers to form
• Protects young shoots from frost
• Prevents sunlight reaching developing potatoes

It is one of the most important steps in growing potatoes.

When to Start Earthing Up Potatoes

Begin earthing up as soon as shoots appear.

• Start when shoots are 10–15cm tall
• Earth up earlier if frost is forecast
• Shoots can be fully covered with soil

Potato shoots will grow back through the soil quickly.

How to Earth Up Potatoes Step by Step

Follow these simple steps for best results:

• Use a hoe or spade to pull loose soil towards the plant
• Build a ridge around the stems
• Cover most or all of the visible shoots
• Leave the soil loosely piled, not compacted

Always work carefully to avoid damaging stems.

How High Should You Earth Up?

The final ridge height is important.

• Build ridges 15–25cm high
• Add soil gradually over several weeks
• Stop once plants begin to flower

This gives tubers plenty of protected space to develop.

How Often Should You Earth Up?

Earthing up is not a one-time job.

• Repeat every time shoots grow another 10–15cm
• Usually done 2–3 times during early growth
• More frequent earthing up is fine if needed

Regular earthing up gives the best protection.

What If You Don’t Have Enough Soil?

If soil is limited:

• Use garden compost
• Add leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter
• Use straw or mulch as a top layer

Avoid materials that stay wet or compact tightly.

Earthing Up in Raised Beds

Raised beds need extra attention.

• Soil levels drop more quickly
• Earth up sooner and more often
• Ensure ridges stay tall enough to cover tubers

Raised beds dry out faster, so monitor moisture levels.

Earthing Up Potatoes in Grow Bags

Grow bags use compost rather than soil.

• Start with 10–15cm of compost
• Add compost as shoots grow
• Continue until the bag is almost full

This layered approach encourages more tuber formation.

Common Earthing Up Mistakes

• Waiting too long before starting
• Leaving tubers exposed to light
• Compacting soil too tightly
• Forgetting to earth up after heavy rain

Avoiding these mistakes improves crop quality.

Final Thoughts

Earthing up potatoes properly is essential for healthy plants and good harvests. Starting early, repeating the process as plants grow, and building generous soil ridges protects tubers and encourages higher yields. With regular earthing up, you’ll avoid green potatoes and enjoy a much better crop.