By Andy Robinson
When trying to calculate the amount of potato seed needed, the row spacing, within-row spacing, and seed size need to be taken into consideration. Typical row spacing in the Red River Valley is 36 inches. However, some potatoes are planted at 34- and 38-inch row spacing. Row and within-row spacing will change the plant population and seed needed (Tables 1 and 2). Within-row spacing varies depending on the cultivar selected, desired harvested tuber profile, and other considerations for your farm. Decisions on seed piece size will depend on seed availability, seed cost, and cultivar. Each seed piece should have at least one eye. The tables presented in this article can be found and downloaded from the NDSU / U of M Potato Extension website https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/potatoextension/tables-for-potato-seed-and-plant-population and utilized in a manner suitable for your operation.