How to Calculate Spacing Between Plants
Proper plant spacing is crucial for healthy garden growth. Plants need adequate room for roots to develop, leaves to spread, and air to circulate.
Basic Plant Spacing Formula
To calculate proper plant spacing:
- Check the mature width of your plant
- For rows: Space plants at 75% of their mature width
- Between rows: Use 100% of mature width
Example:
For a tomato plant with 24-inch mature width:
- Plant-to-plant spacing: 18 inches (24 × 0.75)
- Row-to-row spacing: 24 inches
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I plant too close together?
Overcrowded plants compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to stunted growth and increased disease risk.
2. Should spacing be different for raised beds?
Raised beds can often support slightly closer spacing due to better soil conditions, but don't reduce by more than 20%.
3. How does soil quality affect spacing?
Rich, well-draining soil can support slightly closer spacing, while poor soil requires standard or increased spacing.
4. Can I use companion planting with these calculations?
Yes, but ensure companion plants have similar spacing needs or adjust the layout accordingly.
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