Plant spacing for vegetables – the overview
The right plant spacing decides more about the harvest than many think. If plants stand too close, they compete for light, water and nutrients, stay small and become more susceptible to disease. Spacing that is too wide, on the other hand, wastes bed space. With the right spacing you get the best out of your bed.
The following overview gives you proven guide values for the most important vegetables.
In short
- Correct spacing = more light, better air, fewer diseases, bigger yields.
- Planting too close encourages fungal diseases and stunted growth.
- The table shows guide values for row and plant spacing.
- With mixed culture and succession you use the space optimally.
Why spacing matters
Sufficient spacing ensures the leaves dry off quickly after rain and dew – this prevents fungal diseases such as mildew and blight. At the same time every plant gets enough light and root space to grow strong and set plenty of fruit.
Plant spacing at a glance
| Crop | Spacing in the row | Row spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | 50–60 cm | 80–100 cm |
| Pepper & chilli | 40–50 cm | 50–60 cm |
| Cucumber | 40–50 cm | 100–120 cm |
| Courgette & pumpkin | 80–100 cm | 100–150 cm |
| Head lettuce | 25–30 cm | 30 cm |
| Cabbage (white/red) | 50 cm | 50–60 cm |
| Kohlrabi | 25–30 cm | 30 cm |
| Broccoli | 40–50 cm | 50 cm |
| Carrot | 5 cm | 20–25 cm |
| Onion | 10 cm | 25 cm |
| Bush bean | 5–10 cm | 40 cm |
| Pea | 5 cm | 40 cm |
Guide values – depending on variety and soil the spacing can vary slightly.
Using the space cleverly
- Mixed culture: good neighbours such as carrot & onion use the space and protect each other.
- Succession: after early-harvested crops (radishes, lettuce) replant immediately.
- Pre-culture: pre-raised young plants fill gaps at once and save time.
Frequently asked questions
What happens with planting too close?
The plants stay small, get less light and air and become more prone to fungal diseases.
Do the values also apply to the raised bed?
In the nutrient-rich raised bed you can plant somewhat closer – but still ensure good ventilation.
Tip
Plan your bed briefly on paper before planting – this avoids everything ending up too close together and having to remove plants later.
Caution
Do not underestimate the final size: courgette and pumpkin look tiny as young plants but need a great deal of space.
With strong young plants at the right spacing, nothing stands in the way of a good harvest. We raise our young plants to be robust.