Competition between potatoes and weeds should be minimized from planting to the time of canopy closure; 6 to 7 weeks later. Weeds that emerge after row closure usually will not compete with the potato crop so long as the canopy is uniform and dense. Crop uniformity and density is determined by the stature of the variety and the uniformity of plant spacing. Plant misses as a result of poor quality seed, planting into cold soil or a malfunctioning planter will reduce crop density and competitiveness with weeds. It is important that the planter be operating efficiently not only to produce a high yield, but also to produce a uniform competitive plant stand.