What plant spacing is best

• Space your plants as if they were fully grown or they will suffer from overcrowding and yield will drop.
• The correct planting pattern can also help maximize usable space and improve plant growth:
  • Double rows (plants opposite each other) are best for smaller crops like carrots, corn, leaf lettuce, potatoes, radishes, and spinach.
  • Double alternating rows (plants between opposite side plants) are used for larger crops such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, head lettuce, and peppers.
  • Single rows are recommended for all climbing plants, and very large plants like zucchini and yellow squash (Picture #7).
  • In single rows you can plant closer, and weeding, watering, feeding, and even harvesting are all made easier.
• Mark your rows before planting, using the distance marker described in Make and use a marker.
• The Guide to Seeding or Transplanting chart also lists plant spacing and row arrangements for many common crops.
• Uniform plant spacing gives all plants equal light, water, and food, and makes a beautiful and more productive garden.