Plant Spacing Calculator

Bed Length feet

Bed Width feet

Spacing Between Plants inches

Quick-fill: common crops

Grid Pattern

Results

Plants that fit —

Bed area —

Plants per sq ft —

Number of rows —

Plants per row —

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How to Space Plants

Correct spacing is one of the most important factors in garden success. Plants too close together compete for water, nutrients, and light. Too far apart and you waste space and invite weeds.

Square vs. Triangular Grid

A square grid is the standard approach — plants sit in straight rows and columns. Easy to plan and weed.

A triangular grid (also called hexagonal or offset spacing) staggers every other row by half the spacing distance. This fits roughly 15% more plants into the same area and is popular in raised beds.

Common Spacing Guide

Crop	Spacing
Lettuce	6 in (15 cm)
Carrots	3 in (8 cm)
Tomatoes	12–24 in (30–60 cm)
Peppers	12–18 in (30–45 cm)
Cucumbers	18–24 in (45–60 cm)
Broccoli	12–18 in (30–45 cm)
Onions	4–6 in (10–15 cm)
Zucchini	24–36 in (60–90 cm)

Raised Bed vs. In-Ground

Raised beds with improved soil can often use the closer end of a spacing range. In-ground gardens in clay or compacted soil may need more room for roots to spread.

Square Foot Gardening: A popular intensive method that assigns each vegetable a specific number of plants per square foot based on spacing — e.g., 16 carrots, 9 spinach, 1 broccoli per square foot.