Planting a garden is exciting but often comes with plenty of questions. One of the more complicated elements of starting one involves the question, “How far apart should I plant these vegetables?”
I highly suggest keeping a planting guide handy when planning and creating your vegetable garden.
Plants require ample room to thrive and planting them too closely together could result in reduced yields, increased disease outbreaks and an influx of pests.
Since each plant requires specific amounts of nutrients, water, and sunlight for healthy development, your garden space should provide all plants with their ideal growing conditions.
Proper spacing will also enable you to reach your harvest successfully. Vegetables planted too closely together may soon overgrow aisles and areas where harvesting needs to be occur. By planting properly, you’ll avoid this possibility altogether.
This blog post will cover some of the basics to help you space your plants for optimal success.
Helpful Products from Amazon for Spacing A Garden
Factors To Consider When Spacing A Vegetable Garden
Soil Quality and Nutrients: Different vegetables have different soil requirements. Some require acidic soil while others prefer alkaline conditions. Furthermore, certain vegetables require extra nutrients in order to thrive properly, and proper spacing will help ensure each plant receives what it needs for proper development.
Light and Shade: Sunlight plays an essential role in plant development. Most vegetables require full sun conditions – defined as at least six hours of direct sunlight daily – in order to thrive, although certain species may tolerate shade better and require less. With proper spacing between each plant comes more sunlight so they all receive what they require for healthy growth and development.
Watering and drainage: Proper plant growth relies on adequate amounts of water; too much can cause root rot. By spacing plants evenly apart, we can ensure that water can reach each one evenly while any excess can runoff away from them.
Climate and Weather: Different vegetables require specific temperatures and weather conditions in order to thrive; some prefer cooler temps while others thrive under the heat. Proper spacing ensures each plant can thrive under its unique environmental requirements.
By considering these factors when planting your vegetable garden, you can help ensure each plant is located in an ideal environment for its growth and development.
These tips can help ensure healthy, productive plants that produce bountiful harvests.
Spacing Guidelines for Common Vegetables and Herbs
| Vegetable/Herb | Plant Spacing | Row Spacing |
|---|---|---|
|
Arugula |
6-12 in (15-30 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Asparagus |
18-24 in (45-60 cm) apart |
rows 4-5 ft (120-150 cm) apart |
|
Basil |
8-12 in (20-30 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
2-4 in (5-10 cm) apart |
rows 18-24 in (45-60 cm) apart |
|
|
4-6 in (10-15 cm) apart |
rows 36-48 in (90-120 cm) apart |
|
|
Beets |
2-4 in (5-10 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Broccoli |
18-24 in (45-60 cm) apart |
rows 24-36 in (60-90 cm) apart |
|
Brussels sprouts |
24-30 in (60-75 cm) apart |
rows 30-36 in (75-90 cm) apart |
|
Cabbage |
18-24 in (45-60 cm) apart |
rows 24-36 in (60-90 cm) apart |
|
2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
|
18-24 in (45-60 cm) apart |
rows 24-36 in (60-90 cm) apart |
|
|
Celery |
6-8 in (15-20 cm) apart |
rows 24-30 in (60-75 cm) apart |
|
Chard |
6-12 in (15-30 cm) apart |
rows 18-24 in (45-60 cm) apart |
|
Chives |
6-12 in (15-30 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Cilantro |
6-8 in (15-20 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Collard greens |
12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
rows 24-30 in (60-75 cm) apart |
|
Corn |
12-15 in (30-38 cm) apart |
rows 30-36 in (75-90 cm) apart |
|
24-36 in (60-90 cm) apart |
rows 36-48 in (90-120 cm) apart |
|
|
Dill |
6-12 in (15-30 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
24-36 in (60-90 cm) apart |
rows 36-48 in (90-120 cm) apart |
|
|
Endive |
6-12 in (15-30 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Garlic |
4-6 in (10-15 cm) apart |
rows 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart |
|
Ginger |
8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart |
rows 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) apart |
|
Horseradish |
12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
rows 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) apart |
|
Kale |
12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
rows 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart |
|
Lavender |
12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
rows 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart |
|
Leeks |
6 inches (15 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
|
6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
|
|
Mustard greens |
4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Okra |
12-18 inches (30-45 cm) between plants apart |
rows 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart |
|
Onions |
4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Parsley |
8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Peas |
2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) apart |
rows 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart |
|
Peppers |
12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
rows 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart |
|
8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart |
rows 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) apart |
|
|
Pumpkins |
24-48 inches (60-120 cm) apart |
rows 48-72 inches (120-180 cm) apart |
|
2-4 inches (5-10 cm) apart |
rows 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart |
|
|
Rosemary |
24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart |
rows 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) apart |
|
Sage |
24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart |
rows 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) apart |
|
Spinach |
4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
|
Squash |
24-48 inches (60-120 cm) apart |
rows 48-72 inches (120-180 cm) apart |
|
Strawberries |
12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
rows 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart |
|
Tomatoes |
24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart |
rows 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) apart |
|
Turnips |
2-4 inches (5-10 cm) apart |
rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart |
|
36-60 inches (90-150 cm) apart |
rows 72-84 inches (180-210 cm) apart |
Tips for Planning Your Garden Layout
As gardeners, our goal should always be to maximize our available space.
Planning our gardens ahead will not only maximize harvest yield, but it can also help prevent pests and diseases that could otherwise compromise it.
For an efficient and productive garden space design, keep these tips in mind:
Group plants according to their water, fertilization and light needs.
Plant taller crops on the north side of your garden to avoid shading shorter ones and use trellises, stakes or cages as supports for vining or climbing plants.
Plant in raised beds or containers to optimize soil drainage and nutrient retention.
Intercropping and succession planting techniques will maximize yields while lengthening the growing season.
Companion planting can help maximize yield, combat pests and enhance flavor. It will also ensure maximum productivity from each of your vegetable seeds!
Final Thoughts
Proper spacing in a garden is an integral piece to remember when planning a vegetable garden.
By giving plants enough room to flourish, we ensure they get all of the resources they require rather than competing against one another and producing stunted growth and lower yields.
For assistance with spacing, take a look at our square foot garden guide – complete with companion guide and preplanned gardens as well.
As always, if you have any questions share them in the comments below!
Happy Growing!
