When to Earth Up Potatoes

Knowing when to earth up potatoes is essential for protecting plants, preventing green tubers, and increasing yields. Timing matters just as much as how you earth up, and getting it right makes a big difference to the success of your crop.

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What Is Earthing Up?

Earthing up is the process of pulling soil up around the base of potato plants as they grow. This protects developing tubers from light, insulates young shoots, and encourages more potatoes to form along the buried stems.

When to Start Earthing Up Potatoes

You should start earthing up as soon as potato shoots are visible above the soil.

• Begin when shoots are about 10–15cm tall
• Start earlier if frost is forecast
• Shoots can be completely covered with soil

Covering young shoots will not harm the plant — they will quickly grow back through.

Earthing Up for Frost Protection

Early in the season, earthing up is often done mainly to protect against frost.

• Earth up immediately if cold nights are expected
• Soil acts as insulation against frost damage
• This is especially important in early spring

Early earthing up can prevent plants being set back weeks by frost.

How Often to Earth Up Potatoes

Earthing up is not a one-off task.

• Repeat every time shoots grow another 10–15cm
• Usually carried out 2–3 times during early growth
• Stop once plants begin flowering

Gradual earthing up builds strong ridges and protects tubers as they form.

When to Stop Earthing Up

Stop earthing up when:

• Plants are fully grown
• Flowering has started
• Ridges are around 15–25cm high

At this stage, tubers are forming deeper and no longer need extra soil added.

Earthing Up in Raised Beds

Raised beds often need earlier and more frequent earthing up.

• Soil warms faster but also drops more quickly
• Start earthing up sooner
• Monitor ridge height carefully

Extra attention prevents tubers becoming exposed.

Earthing Up in Grow Bags and Containers

Timing is slightly different for containers.

• Start when shoots reach 10–15cm
• Add compost gradually as plants grow
• Continue until the container is nearly full

This mimics earthing up in open ground.

Signs You’ve Left It Too Late

You may need to earth up immediately if:

• Tubers are visible at the soil surface
• Potato skins start turning green
• Shoots are exposed during frost

Late earthing up is better than none at all.

Final Thoughts

The best time to earth up potatoes is when shoots reach 10–15cm tall, repeating the process as plants grow until flowering begins. Starting early protects against frost, prevents green potatoes, and increases yields. Regular, well-timed earthing up is one of the most important tasks in successful potato growing.