How close can I space tomato plants?

Getting tomato plant spacing right will ensure your harvest. Correct spacing between plants will prevent fungal disease and allow the sun to hit all leaves. I learned this from losing an entire crop to blight one summer in the heat and humidity. Crowded plants create wet spots, which allow disease to prosper, ruining what could have been weeks of hard work.

Different types of tomatoes require different spacing. Determinate varieties grow as compact bushes and can be spaced 24-30 inches (61-76 cm) apart from other plants. Indeterminate tomatoes are vigorous vines that grow with a minimum of 36 inches (91 cm) between plants. Staked plants can be placed closer together, 18-24 inches (46-61 cm). Measure carefully before transplanting seedlings.

Container gardening has strict spacing requirements. Maintain a distance of three feet (0.9 meters) between pots, even with compact varieties. If containers are crowded, they will compete for sunlight, which results in uneven ripening. I use patio stones between pots to ensure exact spacing. Additionally, if foliage comes into contact, it can spread disease.

Start implementing these spacing techniques right away. You can use garden markers to accurately place your plants. Space and stagger your rows to allow for airflow. You will be rewarded with a disease-free, nutrient-dense Tomato plant. Proper spacing is akin to a struggling plant blossoming into a bounty of fruit-filled, productive vines throughout the entire season.

Read the full article: Tomato Plant Spacing: Expert Tips for Maximum Yield