Spacing Requirements for Planting of Crops

Spacing Between Rows and Individual Plants

Plant spacing between rows and between individual plants is critical when establishing crops. Before ploughing the soil and planting, the farmer must plan for the particular crop being sown or planted. Plants that grow too close together will be stunted, whilst plants that grow too far apart will decrease crop productivity. Therefore, spacing needs to be calculated between rows, and between individual plants. A planting line is a useful guide to spacing, as are the instructions on seed packets and advice from the nursery or grower of the seedlings.

The depth of planting can vary and should be a little deeper when conditions are dry and hot, or if only rainfall is dependent. If water is freely available and the ground can be kept moist after sowing, then a slightly shallower seed planting can take place. Seeds should be planted no deeper than 2-3 times their size into the soil. Each crop will have its own specific requirements for depth of planting, it is important to research and consult with commodity experts over the ideal depth for your particular crop.

When planting a vineyard or fruit orchard it is very important to carefully plan to space between trees in a row and spacing between different rows to provide access to tractors and other implements. Remember that there is a break-even point between the number of trees in a row and to allow adequate growing space for each tree. E.g. it is not better to plant a hundred trees in a row if there is only space for fifty trees.

Example:

Cucumbers - 12 inches apart, 18-24 inches between rows, and seeds a half-inch deep.

Muskmelon - 6 to 12 inches apart, 12 to 18 inches between rows, and seeds a one-eighth inch deep.

Pumpkin - 12 to 18 inches apart, 36 to 48 inches between rows, and seeds three to five inches deep.

Summer Squash - 24 to 36 apart, 18 to 48 inches between rows, and seeds one inch deep.

Winter Squash - 24 to 48 inches apart, 24 to 100 between rows, and one inch deep.

Watermelon - 24 to 72 inches apart, 60 to 100 between rows, and one inch deep.