How to Space Different Potato Types

Correct spacing is essential when growing potatoes, as different potato types need different amounts of room to develop healthy plants and produce good yields. Spacing potatoes properly improves airflow, reduces disease risk, and allows tubers to grow to full size without competition.

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Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
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Why Potato Spacing Matters

Good spacing helps to:

• Prevent overcrowding and poor tuber development
• Improve airflow and reduce blight risk
• Make earthing up easier
• Increase overall yields

Spacing requirements vary depending on whether you are growing first earlies, second earlies, or maincrop potatoes.

Spacing for First Early Potatoes

First early potatoes are compact and mature quickly.

• Between plants: 25–30cm
• Between rows: 45–60cm

This closer spacing works because first earlies produce fewer and smaller tubers and are harvested early, before plants become large.

Spacing for Second Early Potatoes

Second earlies grow slightly larger than first earlies and stay in the ground longer.

• Between plants: 30cm
• Between rows: 60cm

This gives plants enough room to develop without overcrowding while still using space efficiently.

Spacing for Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop potatoes produce larger plants and more tubers, so they need the most space.

• Between plants: 35–40cm
• Between rows: 70–75cm

Wider spacing allows tubers to reach full size and reduces competition for nutrients and water.

Spacing Potatoes in Raised Beds

In raised beds, potatoes are often planted in a grid rather than rows.

• First earlies: 30cm apart in all directions
• Second earlies: 30–35cm apart
• Maincrop: 40cm apart

Ensure beds are deep enough to allow proper earthing up.

Spacing Potatoes in Grow Bags and Containers

Spacing is limited in containers, so plant numbers matter more than distance.

• 30–40 litre bag: 2 seed potatoes
• 45–50 litre bag: 3 seed potatoes
• 60+ litre container: 4 seed potatoes

Avoid overcrowding, as it leads to small tubers and weak plants.

Spacing Between Different Potato Types

If growing multiple potato types in the same area:

• Keep early and maincrop potatoes in separate rows or beds
• Allow full spacing for the largest type nearby
• Label varieties clearly to avoid confusion at harvest

Common Spacing Mistakes

• Planting potatoes too close together
• Using maincrop spacing for early potatoes or vice versa
• Forgetting extra space for earthing up
• Overfilling grow bags

Correct spacing nearly always results in better harvests.

Final Thoughts

Spacing different potato types correctly is one of the simplest ways to improve yields and reduce problems. First earlies need the least space, maincrop potatoes need the most, and second earlies sit in between. By matching spacing to potato type and growing method, you give each plant the best chance to thrive.