Vegetable Gardening - Plant Spacing and Depth

Planting should be done on a well prepared, firm seedbed. This gives the seed a good opportunity to germinate and grow.

Plant spacing and depth are important factors if you are to utilize your gardening area to its maximum potential. Planting should be done on a well prepared, firm seedbed. This gives the seed a good opportunity to germinate and grow.

A wide range of spacing needs…

Spacing is important, in that, some plants require more room to grow. Large plants, like eggplant and okra, need rows at least three feet wide and should be placed 30 inches apart in the row. Running type plants, such as cucumbers and cantaloupes should have rows 4- 6 feet wide and should be spaced 2 - 3 feet in the row. Small plants, such as onions and radishes, can be in narrower rows 8 or 9 inches apart and can be planted from 2 - 4 inches in the drill.

Some crops such as sweet potatoes and cabbage will get too large if too much space is allowed. They should be spaced at the recommended spacing of around 12 inches or less in the drill.

The depth that the seed is planted is important.

Some seed such as turnips and tomatoes are very small and if they are covered over a quarter of an inch deep, germination will be reduced. Larger seed such as beans, may be planted 3¦4 to 1 1¦2 inches deep. The actual depth will depend on the soil type and moisture conditions. On light soils, where moisture could be a factor, seed might need to be planted deeper. On heavier soils, where adequate moisture is available, seeds should be planted on the shallow side.

A planting chart is available in county extension leaflet #171, which gives recommended spacing and depth to plant your garden. Every attempt should be made to place seeds in moist soil and to lightly firm soil over seeds after planting.

For more information on vegetable gardening - plant spacing and depth contact your local County Extension Office.