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How to Hill Potatoes

easyGardening30-60 minutes5 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Avoid packing soil too tightly to prevent root suffocation.

Tools Needed

Pot / Container — Large containers, compost sacks, or potato sacks
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Materials

Potting Mix — High quality organic mix(As needed to reach top of container)
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Steps

1
Fill the bottom of your pot or sack with approximately 4 inches (10 cm) of potting mix.
Tip: Ensure the base is level before adding tubers.
2
Lay one or two potatoes on top of the initial layer of soil and cover them.
Tip: Place tubers carefully to avoid bruising.
3
Wait for the foliage to begin growing before starting the hilling process.
Tip: Visible stems indicate the plant is ready for more soil.
4
Add more potting mix a bit at a time to hill or earth up the plants.
Tip: Gradual additions encourage stronger stem growth.
5
Continue adding soil until the soil level reaches the top of the container.
Tip: The foliage will typically 'explode' in size once the soil reaches the top.

Pro Tips

  • Hilling in containers allows for easier harvesting and space management.

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Sources

Synthesized from 5 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →
Cornell ExtensionView →
Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →