[maddave]

Looking at my spud instructions, they say plant mains 45cm apart on the row and make each row 70 cm apart.  Other veg also have the space between the rows as wider than the plants on the row.  This may be a stupid question, but are rows spaced further apart?  Surely, the plant doesn’t know to spread out sideways more than front to back?  Does it make much difference if the spacing between rows is more in line with the plant spacing on the row? 

Feel free to shoot me down with the obvious answer!
 

[mumofstig]

The spacing between the rows is to allow you to get in between the rows to hoe and earth-up the growing spuds and then to harvest them 

[Auntiemogs]

And no question is stupid, if you learn something from the answer. 

[surbie100]

I find that if you are using raised beds you don't need to have the wider row spacing, but can instead just keep to the width spacing - ie 45cm between each plant each way.

[maddave]

Thanks all.

This question has really come from trying to fit in the millions of spuds I've bought, into a plot that may leave some leftover if I follow the row spacing rules to the letter!  If I can be a little lax with the spacing I could get the all in fine!!

[Goosegirl]

I find that if you are using raised beds you don't need to have the wider row spacing, but can instead just keep to the width spacing - ie 45cm between each plant each way.

Some people argue that, with raised beds, you add the row spacing to the plant spacing within the row, then divide by two. You can also plant a row by, e.g. starting 6" from the side with spacings of 18" apart, then plant the next row along by starting 15" (18" divided by 2 plus the 6" in from the previous row) from the side but with the same spacings. I have done it with leeks but don't think it makes any real difference, plus it's a bit of a faff. If they are early varieties, you may be able to get away with 15" but I would measure out your bed and see what is the minimum spacing you can get away with (don't forget to allow for a distance in from the sides) so you get even spacings to use all of your bed without finding you have 2 foot spare at one edge.

[Totty]

I use a block type spacing for everything in raised beds. You can put your rows as far apart as you need, to get in between when said plant is fully grown.

Totty

[jondav14]

I use 2 times width of my rake between rows, this gives me plenty of space to ridge the rows and approx 15" between spuds

[Goosegirl]

In the past in my raised beds, I have found it difficult to ridge my pots unless you either plant them in a single row along its length or plant about 2 foot from the sides. It also depends on how deep you have planted the tubers, meaning you can add compost, grass cuttings, etc - anything to cut out the light from the tubers.

[Sparkyrog]

And no question is stupid, if you learn something from the answer. 

Agrees