Plant spacing is an essential topic for gardeners. It is considered vital because it affects the productivity of these plants.
Having appropriate spacing makes it better to organize the garden. It also helps to increase plant yield. But spacing requires some level of skill. This is because not all plants can be spaced the same in a garden.
The recommended space between plantings
There are different recommendations that experts give about the spacing of different plants. It is vital to check the plant catalogs and tags on the appropriate spacing for each.
Starting spacing when the plants are young is the most recommendable approach. This is because the plants are easy to transplant or remove to manage the available space.
Plant labels are the best source of information for your plant spacing. You will need to learn how to measure the different spacing for various plants.
A good example is the hydrangea. Experts indicate that these plants require a 5-foot diameter of spacing when matured.
The other examples are vegetables. Setting enough space for vegetables in rows to support more produce is essential. There are different requirements for space lengths for a variety of vegetables.
The needs of plants should be the primary focus when deciding the appropriate spacing. This should also be coupled with the different sizes of plants.
The gardener should ensure that they know how much a plant can grow in size when they mature. There is also a need to identify the nutritional and moisture requirements of the different plants.
The ideal distance between plants in a row
Row spacing is one of the most common routines among gardeners. It is recommended that spacing plants using a twelve feet distance in a row is an excellent way of doing it.
But there is also a caution from many experts. This includes the need for gardeners to understand the different space requirements for diverse vegetables. This helps in planning before planting.
What happens if you plant too close together?
Planting too close together is considered a big mistake. This is because it creates enormous competition for nutrients and moisture among the plants.
Another argument is that planting close together causes an easy spread of diseases in the garden. That is why it is essential to understand some of the risks of planting close together.
- Battle for nutrients
A significant outcome of planting close together is the battle for nutrients from the soil. It is important to understand that plants have different nutrient requirements. These plants have to compete for these nutrients when they are close together.
It means that the plant will experience nutrient deficiency. This leads to poor health, poor production and stunted growth.
- Sunlight requirements
There is also a concern that planting close together causes sunlight access deficiencies. Many plants require enough sunlight to flourish.
Planting them close together creates shades between the plants. This means that the plants do not have access to enough energy for growth.
- Moisture deficiency
It is considered appropriate to avoid planting close together because it leads to inadequate plant moisture. The plants are close together and compete for the available moisture. This is primarily a significant risk for the arid areas. It is necessary to ensure the plants are well-spaced to avoid drying up.
- Infestations and disease
Planting close together has also been linked to increasing infestation of diseases in plants. This is because the disease-causing pests can move from one plant to another easily.
It is also because of the dampness that is prompted by the lack of enough air in the garden. Mold and mildew are examples of the dangers of planting close together.
Plants that should not be planted close together
There are considerations that some plants cannot survive when planted close to each other. This may be because of the risks of nutritional and moisture deficiencies. However, the is also a concern that some plants do not complement each other.
The plants compete and can easily lead to wilting and dying of some varieties in a garden. Here are a few plants that should never be planted close to each other.
- Tomatoes and Corn
It is argued that tomatoes and corn cannot survive when close together. This is because they are affected by the same pests and diseases.
Among these pests include the fruit worm that attacks both of these plants. It means that these plants can easily be wiped out when they grow close to each other in a garden.
- Cucumbers and Potatoes
Experts also warn against planting cucumbers close to the potatoes. This is because both plants require similar nutrients for growth. It means that these plants can compete for the nutrients.
The outcome is usually poor production. The plants are also affected by similar diseases, such as the mosaic virus and thus can be wiped out of a garden when they are close together.
- Tomatoes and Eggplants
An expert opinion is also that eggplants should be separated from tomatoes in a garden. This is because the same pests also infest the plants. The spread of diseases between these plants is also easier when they are close.
- Garlic and Onions
The other category of plants that should not be closely planted are onions and garlic. These are plants considered to be from the same family. These plants are affected by similar diseases, including powdery mildew. This disease can spread swiftly in the garden when these plants are close to each other.
Plants that can be planted near each other
There are plants that experts have recommended to be planted close to each other. This is because these plants complement each other in terms of the need for nutrients.
A mix of plants has been identified as critical in ensuring high production. But this should be done with extra care and proper planning.
Planting close together is also referred to as companion planting. This has been regarded as using a strategy to increase production.
One of the reasons for companion planting is the management of pests. Some plants deter pests from a garden. They, therefore, benefit other plants.
Other plants can attract important insects for pollinating the other plants. The main goal of companion planting should be to ensure that the plants near each other complement growth and production.
Companion Plants for Vegetables
Some of the most practices among gardeners are to include companion plants in vegetable gardens. Here is a list of some plants that complement vegetables.
- Dill and basil
Dill and basil are excellent choices for companion plants in a vegetable garden. These plants are great at keeping away pests that attack vegetables. Among the pests that are kept at bay include the hornworm.
- Marigolds
Some gardeners love introducing marigolds close to a vegetable garden. One of the reasons is because they enhance the aesthetic look of a garden. This plant is also a great companion because it is also an insect repellant. The plant repels insects known to destroy tomatoes and many other types of vegetables.
- Mint and Nasturtiums
Mint and Nasturtiums also fall in the category of insect repellants for vegetable gardens. They repel ants and aphids which are known to love vegetables. That is why it is considered appropriate to plant these varieties close to the vegetables.
The importance of plant spacing
It is essential to understand that space matters in gardening. There is no doubt that spacing makes the garden look better.
It creates an organized appeal in a garden. This is mainly for plants that can overgrow, including shrubs. This means that most gardeners consider proper spacing for aesthetic purposes.
However, plants’ health should also consider when considering spacing. Well-spaced plants grow healthy. This is because they have access to enough nutrients.
These plants do not have to compete for the nutrients. It is also because they have access to enough sunlight. They can therefore mature faster with minimal disruptions.
Air circulation should also be a concern when addressing the spacing issue in a garden. All plants require air to grow.
Enough air ensures that the plants can prevent diseases. This is because the lack of air coupled with the moistness of the crowded area is a breeding ground for diseases. This includes the fungal diseases that can be prevented by ensuring the plants have enough space.
Best spacing for shrubs?
One central concern among gardeners is how they can evenly space the shrubs. It is important to note that there are a variety of factors that determine this kind of spacing. One of these factors is the type of shrub.
A gardener should be in a position to understand how the shrubs grow. This guide ensuring that they create enough space for the respective growth.
It should also be a concern for gardeners to project their expected management of these shrubs. Some shrubs are suitable for trimming and shaping.
That is why having such understanding should be a significant determinant of how to space them to achieve the desired outcome when they mature.