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Plant Spacing Calculator

Calculate how many plants fit in a garden bed based on dimensions and recommended spacing with grid or offset layout.

Bed Dimensions

Plant Spacing

Layout Pattern

Grid (Square)
Plants in aligned rows and columns
Offset (Staggered)
Alternating rows for denser packing

How It Works

The calculator determines how many plants fit in your garden bed by dividing the usable area (after subtracting edge margins) by the spacing between plants.

Grid Layout

Plants are placed in straight rows and columns with equal spacing in both directions.

Rows = floor((Width - 2 × Margin) / Spacing) + 1
Cols = floor((Length - 2 × Margin) / Spacing) + 1
Total = Rows × Cols

Offset (Staggered) Layout

Every other row is shifted by half the spacing distance. This uses a triangular arrangement that fits approximately 15% more plants in the same area while maintaining proper spacing between all neighbors.

Row Spacing = Plant Spacing × √3 / 2 ≈ 0.866 × Spacing
Odd rows: same as grid
Even rows: shifted by Spacing / 2

Edge Margin

The edge margin is the distance between the outer edge of the bed and the first plant. This keeps plants from overhanging the bed edges and allows room for growth.

Common Plant Spacing Guide

Plant Spacing (in) Spacing (cm) Notes
Carrots3–48–10Thin seedlings to final spacing
Lettuce6–815–20Leaf lettuce can be closer
Spinach4–610–15Good for offset layout
Peppers12–1830–45Needs good air circulation
Tomatoes18–2445–60Determinate types can be closer
Squash24–3660–90Bush varieties need less space
Beans (bush)4–610–15Rows 18–24 in apart
Cucumbers12–1830–45Trellis for vertical growing
Herbs6–1215–30Varies widely by variety

Tips for Optimal Spacing

When to Use Grid

  • Easier to maintain and weed between rows
  • Better for trellised crops (tomatoes, beans)
  • Simpler irrigation line setup
  • Works well with drip tape

When to Use Offset

  • Maximizes plants per area (~15% more)
  • Better ground coverage, fewer weeds
  • Ideal for low-growing crops (lettuce, herbs)
  • Good for raised beds with limited space

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