Do you have to "earth up" spuds?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on April 25, 2012 at 14:17

Yes, you do need to earth them up. The tubers that are now growing, tend to grow near the surface and if light gets to them will go green, the green is solanine (poison). Allegedly Red Rooster potatoes do not go green.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Donna C on April 25, 2012 at 14:18

Thanks Fred, I'll see what I can filch from other parts of the garden, and there's always my just about ready homemade compost.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Colin Robinson on April 25, 2012 at 18:53

You can just mulch them with grass clippings, shredded newspaper or anything else that will stop the light getting at them. I now grow all my spuds in containers but when I grew them in the open ground I stopped earthing them up after deciding it was a waste of time and effort. However, some people enjoy hard work!!

Red Roosters do go green. We had some for tea tonight and although the skin was the normal red the flesh was green at one end of one of them.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on April 25, 2012 at 19:09

I did use the word "allegedly" Colin. I was going by Catherines statement in the discussion "I need a little advice please" . In the "Eat what you grow" group........
 
Colin Robinson said:

You can just mulch them with grass clippings, shredded newspaper or anything else that will stop the light getting at them. I now grow all my spuds in containers but when I grew them in the open ground I stopped earthing them up after deciding it was a waste of time and effort. However, some people enjoy hard work!!

Red Roosters do go green. We had some for tea tonight and although the skin was the normal red the flesh was green at one end of one of them.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Flighty on April 25, 2012 at 19:33

I half-heartedly earth mine up, especially Kestrels which tend to grow near the surface.  I usually check when I'm weeding round and if I do see any then I cover them with earth. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by david sharp on April 25, 2012 at 20:59

Iv been puttin alot of fresh compost around mine until theyve grown a bit
Its my first time but they seem to be growing well
These strong winds are worrying me a bit hope doesnt do damage to them

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on April 26, 2012 at 5:58

Your growing in bags, Donna C. is growing the conventional way, there is a difference..............

david sharp said:

Iv been puttin alot of fresh compost around mine until theyve grown a bit
Its my first time but they seem to be growing well
These strong winds are worrying me a bit hope doesnt do damage to them

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion