To pile soil up around the base of a plant to protect it or encourage growth.
To push extra dirt up around the bottom of a plant.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To draw or heap soil up around the base of a plant, especially to protect the roots, promote growth, or prevent vegetables from greening.
"You should earth up your potato plants when the shoots reach about 20 centimetres tall."
To protect the base of a plant over winter by covering the roots and lower stem with a mound of soil.
"She earthed up the roses in November to protect them from frost damage."
To pile earth (soil) upward around something — entirely transparent.
To push extra dirt up around the bottom of a plant.
Standard British gardening term. Particularly associated with growing potatoes, leeks, and celery. The practice prevents vegetables from turning green (in the case of potatoes) or encourages blanching (leeks, celery). American English speakers might say 'hill up' instead.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "earth up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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