[andy135]

North/South or East/West?

My main thought is that my plot slopes downhill from east to west, therefore if I have the rows, particularly potatos running north/south rain water should be retained better with less run-off.

Thanks in advance.

[Ice]

North south would give you maximum sunlight.

[andy135]

Thanks, Ice.
Much appreciated.

[Jodie A]

Runner beans seem more productive on a north/south frame.

Potatoes go east/west, with first earlies at the front, so they get the earliest sunlight, 2nd earlies and maincrops behind, so they get their fair share of sunlight as the earlier crops are dug in front of them.

Only downside, is if you want to plant something tall where the first earlies came out, such as another wigwam of beans, you might be better off growing your spuds in blocks not rows.
Ideally, if you have enough space, courgettes with an extra spadeful of manure/compost go in as soon as the first earlies are used.