Hilling potato plants is essential for a good harvest, requiring loose soil and timely execution. Agronomists recommend this agricultural technique to ensure optimal potato development.

Potatoes should be hilled when the plants reach approximately 20 centimeters in height, typically by mid- to late June. This process involves raking a mound of soil, about 10–20 centimeters high, around each bush, leaving the green foliage exposed.

The primary purpose of hilling is to provide the loose soil potatoes thrive in, promoting better tuber formation. It’s recommended to hill potatoes at least twice per season: once in June and again three to four weeks later. Avoid hilling in hot, sunny conditions; instead, opt for late evenings or cloudy weather.

Before hilling, ensure that the area around the potato plants is weeded. Traditional tools for hilling include a hoe, which allows for precise soil raking around the bush, and a manual hiller, which pushes soil apart in the row spacing.

For larger potato fields, gardeners often use walk-behind tractors and cultivators equipped with hilling attachments. These machines come in single-row and double-row options, with the latter pushing soil apart in both directions for greater convenience.

In addition to hilling, potatoes require regular watering, particularly during hot and dry summers. Watering should commence once the bushes reach a height of 10–15 centimeters, but not immediately after planting.

It’s crucial to water only when nighttime temperatures are above +10 degrees Celsius. The most critical period for watering is when buds appear, as the bush begins to grow tubers, requiring approximately 2–3 liters of water per bush. Use a spray nozzle on the hose to avoid washing away the bush.