Plant Spacing Calculator
Figure out exactly how many plants to buy for your garden bed or landscape project. Enter your bed dimensions and plant spacing, and the calculator shows you how many plants per row, how many rows fit, and the total count. Works for vegetables, flowers, ground cover, and shrubs.
Grid vs. triangular spacing:
- Grid (square) -- plants lined up in straight rows and columns. Easier to maintain and weed. Best for vegetable gardens.
- Triangular (offset) -- every other row is shifted by half the spacing. Fits about 15% more plants in the same area. Creates a fuller, more natural look. Common for ground cover, flower beds, and ornamental plantings.
Common plant spacing guide:
- Lettuce, spinach: 6-8 inches
- Peppers, herbs: 12-18 inches
- Tomatoes, squash: 24-36 inches
- Annual flowers (petunias, marigolds): 8-12 inches
- Perennial flowers (daylilies, hostas): 12-24 inches
- Ground cover: 6-12 inches
- Small shrubs: 36-48 inches
Edge buffer tip: Leave at least half the plant spacing between the edge of the bed and the first plant. This gives the outer plants enough room to grow without hanging over the border.