[Yana]

Thanks for that. 
I've not furtled before but have seen this word a few times now so, looking forward to having a furtle myself.
I have tended to dig up,the whole plant, so to be able to leave the plant in situ and (possibly) extend the cropping sounds Bril.
Thanks again 

[DD.]

Whatever way you grow them, cover the stems, not the foliage, (unless you are protecting from frost).

Leaves are a plants food factory. Shut out light from them and you stop production.

[Kirpi]

I agree DD, especially at this point in the process. The potatoes develop off the stems but the plant needs its leaves right now for sun energy.

I like the idea of leaving the plant in place while you harvest just what you need. The potatoes are always earth-fresh and taste much better. I am sure you can do this even if the potatoes are earthed up with soil but then it is not much fun fertling in wet soil and on one accasion I sliced my hand on a piece of glass in the soil so I am twice shy to do this nowadays.

[DD.]

I grow about 300 seed spuds.

Covering with grass clippings is not an option!