One of the questions we are most often asked is, “How far apart should I plant these vegetable seedlings?” There is a range of answers to that question, mostly based on the way you plan to harvest your plants. If you plan to regularly harvest outside leaves as the plant continues to mature, you can plant them a bit closer together. If the plant is a compact or dwarf variety, you can also fit a few more in your row. If your soil is not rich or well-amended, plant them further apart. Check plant tags and seed packets for additional information.
Here are some general guidelines:
| Year-round crops | ||
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards | 12 to 18 inches apart | |
| Chicory, Radicchio, endive | 6 to 8 inches apart | |
| Lettuce | 8 to 12 inches apart | |
| Spinach | 12 inches apart | |
| Swiss Chard | 8 inches apart |
| Warm season crops | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beans | 2-3 inches apart | |
| Eggplants | 18 inches apart | |
| Melons | 24 to 36 inches apart | |
| Peppers + Chiles | 12 to 18 inches apart | |
| Peas | 2-3 inches apart | |
| Tomatoes — determinate or dwarf | 3 feet apart | |
| Tomatoes — indeterminate | 4 feet apart | |
| Pumpkins | 4 feet apart | |
| Winter squash | 3 feet apart | |
| Zucchini + Summer squash | 3 feet apart |