Introduction

Growing potatoes can be a great experience for any gardener, but it's important to know the right way to plant them. One of the most common questions people have when first starting out is how far apart do you plant potatoes. In this article, we will go over the best practices for spacing your potato plants.

Spacing for Seed Potatoes

The first thing to consider when planting potatoes is whether you are using seed potatoes or not. If you are using seed potatoes, you should space them evenly in rows that are about 3 feet apart. Within the rows, the seed potatoes should be spaced about 12-15 inches apart.

Spacing for Cut Seed Potatoes

If you are using cut seed potatoes, the spacing will be slightly different. Cut seed potatoes should be allowed to dry for a day or two before planting, and each piece should have at least one eye. Once they are ready to be planted, the spacing should be about 10-12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart.

Hilling and Spacing for Growing Potatoes

As your potato plants grow, you will need to begin hilling the soil around the base of the plant. This will help to prevent the potatoes from sunscald and disease. When you are hilling, you should also be spacing out your potato plants. For example, if you started with a spacing of 12 inches, you should eventually space them out to about 18 inches apart.

Spacing for Containers

If you are growing potatoes in containers, you will need to consider the size of the container as well as the number of plants you are growing. Each plant should have its own container that is at least 14 inches wide and 16 inches deep. Within the container, the plant should be spaced about 8-10 inches apart.

Conclusion

Proper spacing is essential to growing healthy and abundant potato plants. Whether you are planting seed potatoes or cut seed potatoes, growing in the ground or in containers, following these guidelines will ensure your potatoes have plenty of room to thrive. Remember to also hill your plants and continue spacing them as they grow for the best results.