How do I space tomato plants?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Correct spacing of tomatoes will prevent disease by allowing adequate circulation and production of more fruit. I learned this when my crowded plants developed blight due to a lack of circulation around them. Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes need 24 inches (60 cm) distance, and indeterminate varieties need 36 inches (90 cm) distance between them. Proper spacing allows sunlight and air to enter, enabling the air to circulate the plant and reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Determinate Varieties
- Compact plants needing minimal support
- Space 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) apart
- Examples: Roma, Bush Early Girl
Indeterminate Varieties
- Vining plants requiring sturdy supports
- Space 36-42 inches (90-105 cm) apart
- Examples: Beefsteak, Cherokee Purple
Dwarf/Container Types
- Suitable for small spaces and pots
- Space 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart
- Examples: Tiny Tim, Patio Princess
Row Spacing
- Allow 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) between rows
- Provides access for maintenance and harvest
- Creates air corridors preventing humidity buildup
Before planting, it is wise to put in stakes to support the plants and prevent root damage later. I use cages around my young tomatoes as soon as they have been transplanted. In the case of indeterminate varieties, I use stakes 6 feet in height (1.8 m) buried about 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Good support will keep the fruit off the ground, preventing rot and insects throughout the season.
Use a planting grid to ensure accurate spacing and uniformity. I mark locations with stakes and string before planting. Overcrowding causes competition for nutrients and light. Reducing yields. My indeterminate tomatoes, properly spaced, yield 15-20 pounds each, while crowded plants yield half that much.
Adjust the spacing according to your specific growing conditions. In humid climates, I space plants 6 inches (15 cm) apart to allow for better circulation. Container tomatoes need larger pots than you think. Determinate varieties require pots at least 18 inches (45 cm) wide. My first tomato crop, which was planted with the right amount of room, doubled my yield, proving the need and value of proper spacing.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Vegetable Garden Planning Steps
