Is it too late to earth potatos?

Ilikeplants

They are grown in pots. I didn’t have enough compost or time to fill them up and suddenly they’ve sprouted loads. Is it ok to bury them again if they have about a foot or so of growth. Thanks.

Dovefromabove

When were they planted?

barry island

I'm taking it they are Christmas potatoes but anyhow yes earth them up.

Ilikeplants

I sowed them about a month ago I think. They’ve shot up faster than than my spring ones which I emptied in early august but were disappointing. I have higher hopes for these one because they’ve sprouted quicker. So if you bury the leaves don’t they rot?

raisingirl

no they don't rot, they just grow up through

Ilikeplants

Thanks, I’ve given it more soil but not enough to cover it. It’s in an old water butt so needs a lot of soil. I don’t know when to stop topping it up. I’m also afraid I damaged one of the stems when I topped up the soil.

StephenSouthwest

Thanks for the reminder - I need to earth mine up tomorrow!

Ilikeplants

I’m mostly a no dig gardener out of laziness so that’s why my potatoes stay in pots. Earthing up is harder in pots though, need so much compost.

raisingirl

Ilikeplants said:

I don’t know when to stop topping it up. I’m also afraid I damaged one of the stems when I topped up the soil.

You can probably keep going until you reach the top of the pot, if you have enough compost but it's not essential. The more you do it, the more spuds you'll get, probably. I grow potatoes in open ground and only usually earth them up once. It's not a science. Try it and see. And remember to keep watering them even when it rains - they need a lot of water when they are in a pot

Ilikeplants

Thanks @raisingirl - it’s easier to keep it watered in the autumn. I get less slug damage to container potatoes on the plus side. Just a meals worth though.

Ilikeplants

Update - I forgot to put more compost on. The plants are sprawling now and it’s 3 weeks later, no wonder my harvest is more miss than hits 😕