[chicken soup]

Ok I am confused here, I read a book and also on another website that early potatos should be planted 12inch apart and main crop 15inch apart.  Whilst I was at the allotment yesterday a friend was planting all her potatos 2 foot apart.  So basically which is the correct distance between plants.

I also read potatos do best if planted in rows north to south is that correct?

You can tell I am a beginner  

[Rampant_Weasel]

never grown maincrops b4 but i have grown earlies, i did my earlies a foot apart and they turned out fine so thats the correct distance for me.

[mikem]

My bible shows them 12-18 inches apart and the rows 18-24 inches apart.  I guess it doesn't make much difference if you give them more room but you could have smaller crops if you plant them too close.  Although I guess you may get the same weight but smaller potatoes but you would need more seed potatoes!

Don't know about north/south, it may make sense because of the sun's rays when the growth is quite small but when they growth touches the next row I wouldn't think that it makes much difference.  Those who plant by the moon (and perhaps the sun) may be able to give you a more scientific answer.

[GreenOwl]

Don't worry about it.  Go for something between the two and you won't go far wrong.  Seeds (and seed potatoes) want to grow.  You just have to give them half a chance.... literally half a chance

Never heard about the North-South thing, lucky you if you've got the option to grow them either way!

[Aidy]

Main crop for me are around 18 inches, 12 for earlies but they are measured by eye and I always make sure I am sober before planting  

[Sadgit]

Main crop for me are around 18 inches, 12 for earlies but they are measured by eye and I always make sure I am sober before planting  

must be a small window of opportunity for you to plant them Aidy

[Rampant_Weasel]

so how far apart are 2nd earlies?

[chicken soup]

so how far apart are 2nd earlies?

I was going to plant mine the same as main crop.

I am now thinking I should possibly plant main crop a little further apart than I had anticipated as I don't want all small potatos to peel later in the year for mash as thats one job I don't really relish.

[DD.]

12" first earlies
15" second earlies/salad
18" main crop

for me.

[Bigbadfrankie]

the wider they are the more moisture and light availible to each little tatty

[gobs]

12" first earlies
15" second earlies/salad
18" main crop

for me.

And the 2 feet is between rows not plants, though more can be used (2 and a half) for particularly large varieties of main crop as Cara or Sharpo, for example.

Whether small plant or large early or main, you cant earth the things up if there isn't enough distance.

[DD.]

That's precisely what I do!

[Aidy]

Main crop for me are around 18 inches, 12 for earlies but they are measured by eye and I always make sure I am sober before planting  

must be a small window of opportunity for you to plant them Aidy

Just after church sadgit  

[gobs]

       

[WhippetMaster]

Digging potatoes after church=divine perspiration!!!!