helings

Helings, also known as heelings or sometimes referred to as hilling up, is a horticultural practice of piling soil around the base of a plant. This action serves several beneficial purposes for a variety of plants, particularly in vegetable gardening.

One primary function of helings is to support the plant, especially taller crops like tomatoes or corn, by encouraging the development of additional roots from the buried stem. These extra roots enhance the plant's stability and ability to absorb nutrients and water. For certain vegetables such as potatoes, helings are essential. As the potato plant grows, new tubers form along the underground stem. By piling soil around the stem as it elongates, more space is created for these new tubers to develop, leading to a larger harvest.

Helings can also protect plants from environmental stresses. In colder climates, piling soil around the base of perennial plants can offer insulation, protecting their roots from freezing temperatures. Conversely, in hot climates, helings can help retain moisture in the soil, keeping the roots cooler and preventing the plant from drying out. Furthermore, for crops like leeks or celery, helings can blanch the lower portions of the stalk, resulting in a more tender and palatable product by excluding light. The timing and amount of soil added during helings depend on the specific plant and the desired outcome.