Ridging-up Potatoes
Traditionally potatoes (latin name - Solanum tuberosum) are grown in a ridge so that the new potatoes formed at the end of the underground stems do not become exposed to the light. If potatoes are in the light they turn green. Green potatoes are poisonous and must not be eaten.
It is important not to disturb the soil around the roots because the tiny potatoes at the end of the stolons will be developing.
When the rows are wide apart, there is plenty of soil to play with, so ridging up is easy. But if the rows are narrow, there will be no soil to move without disturbing the roots.
Ridging up potatoes little & often is the key - as the stems grow, more soil is pulled up to them. This will also disturb the weeds on the outer edge of the ridge & keep the soil loose, so weed control will be easier.
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