[viettaclark]

Am I right in understanding potatoes grow from the roots formed on the underground stalks? And that earthing up, as well as frost protection and preventing green spuds will give a bigger crop because the stalks are longer?
I started earthing up my mids and lates a month ago when the leaves were a couple of inches up. I covered them completely (since found out this was wrong!) and kept covering them every time they grew up.
I used sycamore chippings mixed with earth and the ridge is now 10" high and the plants are bursting out everywhere, growing manically and are really healthy.
The trench I planted in was a good 8" deep with a layer of manure, compost and chicken pellets and I've been watering regularly. The chippings are great as a mulch.
Have I compromised spud production by covering the leaves so early so they couldn't produce food?

[peapod]

Nope
You were protecting from frost.  You would have lost the lot if you didn't.  You could earth up at the base of the plant now to prevent green pots, but all the earthing up I did last year didnt change production from just letting them get on with it the year before.

 A lot of people just risk it to their detriment.  I too covered most of the green leaves where I could and mine are fine - just like yours growing really well and I'm chuffed to bits (crosses fingers and keeps the blight monster away).

You started them off on a really good strong footing, dont worry so much  

[Chrysalis]

Thanks for the info, Peapod.  We earthed ours up twice in the last few weeks, but they're really tall now.  Is this going to make them difficult and should we keep earthing?
The ones in crates (pretty wicker ones, naturally) are doing fine and we hope to eat a few this weekend.

[viettaclark]

Worrying's my job.....

[Paul Plots]

Worrying's my job.....

Have a week off! Relax  Sounds to me as if you've done a good job there.