[Eamon]

My Earlies have broke through about a week now (phew!). How long should I wait before earthing them up? I've read differing opinions: leave them grow a few inches first, or cover them now. Any recommendations? How do you prefer to earth your spuds up?

[Nozebleed]

personally...i cover my earlies with at least 10 inches of soil to begin with...when the foilage breaks through i wait until it reaches 2-3inches before completely covering with multipurpose compost. i plan on earthing up just the once.

[pollen jim]

usually when 4 to 6 inches high, varys if frost is around, you cover more quicker due to damage, just pull the soil up around them to make a ridge, do this twice and let nature happen. the longer you leave them after flowering the bigger the spuds. some types have a little scab, mainly, if grass was growing before in the area. spray for blight, watch out for black spots on leaves, in wet, hot weather.

[Eamon]

Great, thanks for that. I'll wait until they're up a few inches more and then earth them up. Cheers for the prompt response.

[davidk]

I remember my Dad always earthed them up when they were about 3 inches up. That was back when we planted about half an acre or more

[Eamon]

Half an acre? Goodness, I have enough room for ten plants, with another six in tubs. I'm just happy to see them up after the extended winter, and look forward to lifting them in a couple of months. Thanks for replying.