[Jay The Digger]

Due to the limited space for the final section of my rotation plan, I have spaced my potato seeds slightly closer than normal (about 10 inches).  Will this have much of an effect on the yield?

They will be fed as usual and will be watered well, but will the added competition come back to bite me?

Has anyone had any experience of dabbling with this?

[JayG]

If they are new potatoes you have "pinched 2 inches", if maincrop you have pinched about 5" based on the usual recommendations.

Not likely to affect earlies much because they are usually dug before they reach full size anyway, but the main crop will probably be slightly reduced in both size and number (but not disastrously so.)

[Benandbill]

You have a 'rotation plan'?  That's v/scientific and daring in my eyes.  No idea.  I have left 2 feet between my rows.  Only a couple of inches different to what you're doing.  I did the same thing last year and my spuds were nice.  ??

[solway cropper]

I'm growing all my tatties in containers this year. The earlies are spaced roughly 8-10 inches apart and the mains 10-12. On past performance I expect to get around 2 pounds per seed from the earlies and am hoping for 3-4 pounds from the mains. As others say, closer spacing will normally give lower yields but I find that overall the actual harvest from a given space works out about the same.

[fatbelly]

Don't underestimate the value of a good soaking, when the Tubers are swelling they need lots of water.

Heavy watering will to an extent help negate your close spacing.

[simonwatson]

I suffer from a lack of space and plant a little closer than recommended. I've found that keeping them well watered and feed keeps them happy and productive. On the plus side, as they're so close together they completely cover the ground which keeps the weeds out and the moisture in.