[hexhammeasure]

Hi, I've been asking around some very knowledgable folks about this no one seems to be able to give me a definitive answer.


My theory - using first earlies, if I don't earth up my first row of earlies do I get a quicker albeit smaller crop? following on from this I was thinking of earthing up a second row once and my third row twice  to delay ripening


my reason for this is that I am sharing the rows with several people and don't want them all ready at the same time


I am aware that people often earth up purely to protect from frost


Thanks

[supplies for smallholders]

My Understanding is that earthing up is done mainly to protect from light, to provide some protection from frost, and to make the tubers develop in broken up soil so that they grow an even shape.

I dont think not earthing up will speed development which is dependant on soil nutrition levels, water availability and provision of nutrients from the leaves - potatoes dont ripen.

The best way to stagger cropping is to stagger planting.

[hexhammeasure]

Thanks for that SfS, I did think ripen was the wrong word!.. My thoughts were that the un-earthed up ones would develop leaves quicker thus be ready for lifting quicker. but your point on staggering the planting is probably the correct route.


look out for me I will be ordering several bags of tatties and onions and probably shallots soon

[MAK]

I would agree with the above and stagger planting or if possible plant in different areas maybe shaded or even poorley drained. Sun, soil type,fertility and moisture should determine growth. Or just plant different varieties and hope for differnt growth rates. I would keep banking up though to ensure no green spuds and a nice shape.