Tomato plants generally need to be spaced between 18 to 36 inches apart depending on the variety and growing method:
- Indeterminate tomatoes (vining types that grow continuously) that are staked or supported can be spaced closer, about 18 to 24 inches (1½ to 2 feet) apart in the row. If grown in cages, spacing should be about 2½ to 3 feet apart. If allowed to sprawl on the ground, spacing should be wider, around 3 to 4 feet
- Determinate tomatoes (bush types that grow to a fixed size) can be spaced about 2 to 2½ feet apart, with rows spaced about 4 feet apart
- For traditional in-ground planting, spacing between plants is typically 18 to 24 inches, with about 36 inches between rows to allow good air circulation and sunlight penetration
- Raised beds or intensive gardening methods may allow closer spacing, sometimes as close as 12 to 18 inches, especially if plants are staked, to maximize production in limited space
Proper spacing is important to reduce competition for nutrients and water, ensure adequate sunlight, and improve air circulation to prevent diseases
. In summary:
Tomato Type| Spacing Between Plants| Spacing Between Rows
---|---|---
Indeterminate (staked)| 18–24 inches (1.5–2 ft)| 36+ inches (3+ ft)
Indeterminate (caged)| 30–36 inches (2.5–3 ft)| 36+ inches (3+ ft)
Indeterminate (ground)| 36–48 inches (3–4 ft)| 36+ inches (3+ ft)
Determinate| 24–30 inches (2–2.5 ft)| ~48 inches (4 ft)
This spacing ensures healthy growth, good fruit production, and disease prevention for tomato plants
