Nope, won't hurt to leave the leaves on.

I waited until my potato plants were about a foot or more high - then covered them with four inches of soil or so.

Here is a link that might be useful: BsnTech Gardening Blog

A foot? I read six to eight inches. How often do I cover the plants with soil? There must be a point where you stop.

Hi PieChart ;-)

Check out my video link below , it shows how and when to "Hill" your potatoes.

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Here is a link that might be useful: Hilling Potatoes

Here's a simple rule of thumb...hill them when the vines are one foot above the ground. Don't cover them completely...leave 1/3 exposed (ie. approx 4 in) Carefully mound loose dirt (or mulch) around each mound or row (?) When you have approx 12 inches of growth above your hill...repeat the above step, always leaving 1/3 of foliage above the dirt or mulch. You will do this 3-4 times until you hilling won't take anymore without sliding down. BE CAREFUL...do not break stems in this process Seach "hilling potatoes" on youtube for video help. GL

I hilled my potatoes one time when they were flowering. My "hill" is only about 4 inches tall - just enough to cover the tubers.

Thanks everyone, I think I understand it now!