[newby]

And then you earrthe up again?

[peapod]

YES! until all risk of frost is passed! Dont forget,spuds form under the soil from previous plantings as volunteers that people didnt even put in.
Dont worry so much,they are really quite easy to grow 

[Ice]

If, as you said, there was no risk of frost there would be no need to earth up again.

[gameman]

I can't figure...surely the elaves provide teh energy to make the potatoes?

[Ice]

The initial energy to grow comes from the planted tuber and the leaves take over later on.

[mumofstig]

cos i'm growing lengthwise in my raised beds i have to draw soil from the middle to go over the tops.  How near to the spuds is it safe to go as there is only a bit over 2 ft between the rows....  any advice please?

[Robin Redbreast]

cos i'm growing lengthwise in my raised beds i have to draw soil from the middle to go over the tops.  How near to the spuds is it safe to go as there is only a bit over 2 ft between the rows....  any advice please?

i dont no the perfect answer but my guess is dont disturb the tubers where poss but having read other posts instead of earthing up use compost and manure or just either!

[peapod]

you can use straw as well Mum

[Robin Redbreast]

peapod is so cool i have learnt something else now cheers babbie!

[andtiggertoo]

I have some bigger woody bits left over from my old compost heap, not that much denser than straw. It's all I have available really so that will have to do for earthing up to protect from frost. I probaby have enough to put a little pile over each potato plant.

[Janeymiddlewife]

I believe you can also use fleece - hope so as I'm going to find it difficult to find the time and energy with a very sore back to earth up 8 ten foot rows!

[DD.]

Fleece would surely let light through = green spuds.

[Janeymiddlewife]

Sorry DD - I meant just as an overnight precaution against frost, not as a long term thing - I've already earthed up several times - my plots' in danger of looking like the Alps