Is hilling potatoes counterproductive? - Ask Extension
I’m growing fingerling potatoes and have been mounding with last years leaf pile. But I just ran out, and in trying to figure out what else I can us...
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Is hilling potatoes counterproductive? #872058
Asked June 07, 2024, 12:35 PM EDT
I’m growing fingerling potatoes and have been mounding with last years leaf pile. But I just ran out, and in trying to figure out what else I can use, I discovered a heated debate on whether hilling is really necessary - and or whether it’s actually counterproductive, as it forces the plant to put energy into foliage production and not into the roots. What is the expert opinion on this? (And if hilling is preferred, can I used finely shredded pine, sold as bedding for small animals, or is that too acidic?)
Berrien County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. I have been searching for controversies regarding hilling potatoes, but I haven't found any information on this topic. The most common and necessary practice when growing potatoes is hilling, which can be done in a few different ways---trenching, using a raised garden box, a large pot or a fabric garden bag. Soil, compost, and straw can be used to hill potatoes. The important thing to keep in mind is that the potatoes need to be protected from the sun while they are growing. The following article from South Dakota Extension is an excellent source for growing potatoes: https://extension.sdstate.edu/potatoes-how-grow-it
I found a source that describes a method of growing potatoes called plasticulture, which is used by some growers for an early crop. This method uses intensive production technology or plasticulture (plastic mulches, drip irrigation, fertigation, high tunnels, and row covers). The following article from Penn State University Extension explains this method. One of the benefits of this method is that it eliminates the need for hilling. I'm not sure if it is too labor-intensive for a home garden, but it may be what you referred to in your message.
https://extension.psu.edu/growing-potatoes-using-plasticulture
If you give me more information about the controversy about hilling, I may be able to search further for an explanation.
resource: https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-potatoes#hilling-293262
I hope this information is helpful, but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have questions or need further information,
Have a great week!
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. I have been searching for controversies regarding hilling potatoes, but I haven't found any information on this topic. The most common and necessary practice when growing potatoes is hilling, which can be done in a few different ways---trenching, using a raised garden box, a large pot or a fabric garden bag. Soil, compost, and straw can be used to hill potatoes. The important thing to keep in mind is that the potatoes need to be protected from the sun while they are growing. The following article from South Dakota Extension is an excellent source for growing potatoes: https://extension.sdstate.edu/potatoes-how-grow-it
I found a source that describes a method of growing potatoes called plasticulture, which is used by some growers for an early crop. This method uses intensive production technology or plasticulture (plastic mulches, drip irrigation, fertigation, high tunnels, and row covers). The following article from Penn State University Extension explains this method. One of the benefits of this method is that it eliminates the need for hilling. I'm not sure if it is too labor-intensive for a home garden, but it may be what you referred to in your message.
https://extension.psu.edu/growing-potatoes-using-plasticulture
If you give me more information about the controversy about hilling, I may be able to search further for an explanation.
resource: https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-potatoes#hilling-293262
I hope this information is helpful, but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have questions or need further information,
Have a great week!
