🌿 Plant Spacing Calculator
Calculate optimal plant spacing and determine how many plants you need for your garden. Choose from square, triangular, or row planting patterns.
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Plant Spacing
Common Plant Spacing Guide
| Plant Type | Plant Spacing | Row Spacing | Plants/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 24-36" | 36-48" | 0.25-0.5 |
| Lettuce | 6-8" | 12-18" | 4-6 |
| Peppers | 18-24" | 24-36" | 0.5-1 |
| Carrots | 2-4" | 12-18" | 9-16 |
| Cucumbers | 12-24" | 48-72" | 0.25-0.5 |
| Broccoli | 18-24" | 24-36" | 0.5-1 |
| Corn | 8-12" | 30-36" | 1-2 |
| Beans (Bush) | 4-6" | 18-24" | 4-6 |
| Squash | 24-36" | 48-72" | 0.25-0.5 |
| Onions | 4-6" | 12-18" | 4-9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate plant spacing for my garden?
To calculate plant spacing, divide your garden area by the space each plant needs. For square spacing, divide length by plant spacing to get plants per row, then divide width by plant spacing to get number of rows. Multiply these numbers for total plants. For a 10ft × 10ft garden with 12" spacing: (10 ÷ 1) × (10 ÷ 1) = 100 plants.
What is the difference between square and triangular planting patterns?
Square spacing arranges plants in straight rows and columns, making them easy to plant and maintain. Triangular (offset) spacing staggers every other row by half the spacing distance, fitting 10-15% more plants in the same area. Triangular patterns provide better coverage and weed suppression but are slightly more complex to lay out.
How many plants can I grow per square foot?
It depends on plant size. Large plants like tomatoes and peppers: 1 per square foot. Medium plants like lettuce and chard: 4 per square foot. Small plants like spinach and beets: 9 per square foot. Very small plants like radishes and carrots: 16 per square foot. This Square Foot Gardening method maximizes space efficiency.
Should I measure plant spacing from the edge or center of plants?
Always measure from center to center (the stem base), not edge to edge. If you space 12 inches from edge to edge, mature plants that spread 12 inches in each direction will actually be 24 inches apart center-to-center, which is too wide for most crops. Center-to-center measurement ensures consistent spacing regardless of plant size.
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