why do you make heeps round the potatoes when growing

As the plant grows you must heep the soil around it because if you dont do this then light can get through to the potatoes as the are growing , this will cause them to go green . . do not eat green potatoes as they can make you ill , they can be poisonous

Hi Carol, welcome to GOY.
I agree with all that Mac has said, also the warmth of the sun on the ridges will help your potatoes to grow for a bigger crop.

just keep layering, my garden looks a real mess where I have piles of soil ready to do the next layer

x x x