How many potatoes per square metre: planting distance

Why planting distance matters for potatoes

Potatoes grow underground and need space to expand their tubers. Potatoes planted too close give many small tubers instead of a few medium to large ones. With correct spacing you get healthy, full tubers that yield well.

Potatoes need room for their leaves and for the root system below. The larger the planting distance, the larger each tuber. The smaller the distance, the more potatoes you get, but smaller. It is about balance between number and size.

Type 1: Early potatoes (early maturing)

Early potatoes grow 60-70 days. Varieties like 'Friesland', 'Early Rose' and 'Pentland Javelin' are quick to mature.

Plant early potatoes 25-30 cm apart between seed pieces. This gives roughly 3-4 pieces per square metre (at 60 cm rows). Early types naturally give smaller tubers, so spacing is less critical.

Type 2: Mid-season potatoes (main crop)

Mid-season potatoes grow 70-90 days. Varieties like 'Bintje', 'Kennebec' and 'Desiree' are classic types.

Plant mid-season potatoes 30-35 cm apart between seed pieces. This gives roughly 2-3 pieces per square metre. These types grow larger, so more spacing pays off.

Type 3: Late potatoes (storage potatoes)

Late potatoes grow 100+ days. Varieties like 'Russet', 'Katahdin' and 'Red Norland' are for storage.

Plant late potatoes 35-40 cm apart between seed pieces. This gives roughly 2 pieces per square metre. Large storage potatoes want plenty of room.

Type 4: Fingerling potatoes (elongated)

Fingerling potatoes grow elongated and small. Varieties like 'Purple Peruvian', 'Russian Banana' and 'Charlotte' are gourmet types.

Plant fingerling potatoes 20-25 cm apart. They are naturally smaller, so tight spacing is fine. You get 4-5 pieces per square metre.

TL;DR

• Early potatoes: 25-30 cm spacing (3-4 per m2)
• Mid-season: 30-35 cm spacing (2-3 per m2)
• Late potatoes: 35-40 cm spacing (2 per m2)
• Fingerling: 20-25 cm spacing (4-5 per m2)

Step-by-step

Step 1: Identify your potato type

Check your seed potatoes. Are they early (quick), mid-season (classic), or late (storage)? What is your variety? This determines your spacing and growing period.

Step 2: Prepare your bed in spring

Plant potatoes March-April. Work compost and potassium in well. Potatoes love loose, nutrient-rich soil. Ensure good drainage.

Step 3: Plant at correct spacing

• Early: 25-30 cm spacing
• Mid-season: 30-35 cm spacing
• Late: 35-40 cm spacing
• Fingerling: 20-25 cm spacing

Plant seed pieces 10-15 cm deep with eyes upward. Space rows 60 cm apart.

Step 4: Continually earth up

As the plant grows, earth up (hill soil over the stems). This gives more room for tubers to form above ground. Earth up at least twice.

Step 5: Harvest at the right time

Early: 60-70 days after planting. Mid-season: 80-90 days. Late: 100+ days. Harvest when leaves yellow and fall over.

Frequently asked questions

How much harvest per square metre?

• Early potatoes: 3-4 kg per m2
• Mid-season: 4-6 kg per m2
• Late: 5-8 kg per m2
• Fingerling: 2-4 kg per m2

This depends on feeding, water, and weather.

Can I plant potatoes closer?

Potatoes planted too close give many small tubers. You get more number, but less weight per tuber. For large tubers: more spacing. For plenty small: closer spacing.

How long do potatoes take to grow?

Early: 60-70 days. Mid-season: 80-90 days. Late: 100-120 days. From planting to harvest - time depends on variety and weather.

Can I replant potatoes after harvest?

No, potatoes are annual. Harvest, eat, store. Next spring buy new seed potatoes. Good seed stock is important for healthy harvest.

Frequently asked questions

How do I store potatoes?

Dry your harvest in loose soil for a couple of hours. Store in dark, cool (5-10 degrees) and ventilated place. Potatoes keep for months in good conditions.

What if potatoes turn green?

Green potatoes contain solanine (toxic). Harvest carefully, never leave in light. Ensure good earthing up (cover with soil). Store in dark.

Do potatoes get diseases?

Potatoes are prone to Phytophthora (blight) and waterlogging. Ensure good drainage, do not overwater. Crop rotation helps (do not plant potatoes on same spot every year).

Can I grow potatoes in containers?

Yes, large pots (20+ litres) for 2-3 seed pieces. Fill in layers: soil, seed, soil, water. Top with soil to prevent green potatoes. Containers dry quickly, so water regularly.

Discover your potato bed

At [gardenworld.app](https://gardenworld.app) you can plan your vegetable garden with potato rows and planting distances. Visualise your harvest for next winter.