Simple Vegetable Garden Layout Plans & Spacing Tips for Home Gardens (2024)

Thinking about vegetable garden layout plans and spacing requirements that go along with them?

You’re probably actually thinking about a lot of different things right now.

Maybe you’re worried about having enough space to grow the garden you want. Or you’re concerned with not having the right environment to grow those certain veggies that are just “special.”

And when I say “special” – I’m talking about you, Carrots and Tomatoes.

The truth is, these days, we are all looking to minimalize our space while getting something back. We want to gain more by doing less and save money and time.

And with gardening, this is no different. The good news is that growing that garden is totally doable for you. And I’m here to help you start now.

I’m going to share with you how to grow what you want even if you have limited space. Even if you are new to your location and just need a starting point. I’m going to help you garden smarter by giving you some amazing resources for planning.

It’s all in the planning you do ahead of time. Knowing how much space you have as well as how much space you need will help you to maximize efficiency, space, time and resources. And after 30+ years of gardening, I know this to be true.

So, in this post, you’ll find:

  • Some super simple vegetable garden layout plans and spacing regs for planting crops.
  • How to plan your garden layout in just a few simple steps.
  • Learn how much space should be between garden rows and garden seeds.

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Make a Map of Your Property

First of all, you’re going to need to get artsy and creative. I like to start by making a colorful map of our property. Coloring and drawing is very soothing to the soul. At least it is to mine.

So, if being creative is your thing, you might love this part. If you’re not into drawing or coloring…I include some links and apps for software for mapping out your garden spots later on in this post.

In my freehanded map using grid paper and colored pencils or pens, I draw all the major landscape and buildings on our property:

  • Hills
  • House, barn and chicken coop.
  • Propane tank and utility markers
  • Animal Pens

Every space that is left is pretty much for garden spots. You’ll need to now use your list of veggies you’re going to plant to fill in spots where they might grow well. Refer to the Full Sun/Shade cheat sheet below.

Remember, this is just a rough draft picture. Later on, you’ll add in the vegetables and crops you’ll need to grow once you know your specs.

Your ideal garden bed width and size is completely up to you and your garden space. Let’s go out now and measure that garden space if you don’t know those specs already.

Measure out Ideal Spots for Garden Space

Knowing how much space you have will help you know how much you can plant. It’ll help you know how much seed or plants to buy, which saves you money in the long run.

And we all love to save money, don’t we?

If you’ve been gardening for a while, you probably already know these specs. However, if you’re new to gardening, go ahead and measure your garden row width and length to add into your map.

Use a Tape Measure to Measure out your area effectively.

Ok, now that we know specs, let’s explore what veggies you want to grow and add them to your map. First, you’ll want to keep in mind where they grow best.

Know What Veggies Require Shade or Full Sun

All crops need good soil, water, and sunlight. But some crops don’t need as much sunlight as others.

This is nice to know for planning. Why? Because if you have a lot of shade on your property, there are several crops you can grow in just partial shade.

However other crops, such as tomatoes and sweet corn, require full sun at all times. If you know what crops your planning and the layout of your property, you can plug in the veggies into your map based upon how much shade is there.

This knowledge of shade vs. sun is based upon your knowledge of your property. Also, any crop planted near trees or buildings is going to have a partial shade factor with it. I’ve created a cheat sheet to help you know how much full sunlight certain crops need to help you in your planning.

Click Here for a listing of Vegetables that Require Sun or Shade

Or Pin that Cheat Sheet for Later

Vegetable Garden Row Spacing

Now, we are to the most crucial part of the planning process. Spacing of both the rows and the plants in the rows.

Plants need plenty of space to grow. If they don’t have plenty of room, they will grow into each other, which supports plant diseases and nutrient losses. Less is always more but efficiency is key here.

So, now that you know the dimensions for the space you have in your garden spots, you can look and see what crops require how much space in between the rows. I’ve created a couple of cheat sheets for you to download and print for your planning efficiency.

Get the Guide to Row Spacing Here

Or Pin it for Later

Spacing of Different Crops Between Rows

Along with spacing in between rows, there are even different requirements for plants and seeds within the row. Again, it’s important to note how much space plants need to thrive and yield for you later in the season.

Knowing the specs of your row length and total space will help you know how much seed or plants to purchase.

Here’s My Seed Spacing Chart

Or Pin it for Later

So, the Map Needs Are…

Let’s review now up to this point. Here’s the foundation for simple vegetable garden layout plans and spacing specs:

  • Paper and Colors to draw the map. I use Grid Paper and colorful pens to draw mine.
  • You need to know where all the important landmarks are.
  • Then, use a tape measure to measure out the exact area you need for your garden layout.
  • Factor in Full Sun/Partial Shade Crops using the Cheat Sheet Above.
  • Use your garden area to calculate Row Space and Seed Space needed for efficient and healthy garden production.

And when I say “calculate”…I don’t mean hard math. I despise hard math and run away from it at all cost.

But, you need to figure out what direction your rows will go across the area of the assigned bed. Then, by doing some simple division, you can calculate how many plants of seeds can be planted by using the seed space chart.

Then, how many rows you can have by using the row space chart.

Does this sound easy enough? If you want to talk more about it, shoot me an email! I definitely don’t want to leave you in the dust right in the middle of this planning process.

Map is Drawn. Now what?

Now what do you do with this map? You stick to it and use it to buy your seed and plant your garden.

Having a plan will help you to be successful in 3 ways:

  1. Save Money on seed/plants when it’s time to buy.
  2. Save Time when it’s planting crunch time. You’ll know where everything goes so you can just plant it and not have to think about it.
  3. Maximize and organize your space efficiently.

Not all of us has a lot of land and space to garden. And that’s ok! I know people gardening on 1/10th of an acre or even in the city limits of town. This method applies to not only the rural homeowner or farmstead, but to someone wanting to grow in raised beds or indoors.

Now, I mentioned some garden planning software for those techy non-creative people. If this is you, you’ll want to check out the next section.

Best Garden Planning Software?

If you’re not the best at drawing, there are some great vegetable garden layout softwhare out there for you.

  • GrowVeg has a nice one with a free trial. After that you have to pay every year. It also comes with support and great testimonials. Here’s the link.
  • Vegetable Gardening Online also has a tool that is free. Check it out here.

Again, I draw out and measure my own, so I have not used these software tools. However, they come highly recommended from other gardeners plus they have a free option for you to try them out yourself.

Maximize Space + Efficiency + The Perfect Plan = Smarter Gardening

The key to planning is to make great use of your space. To save money, time and your area. Efficiency + order = SIMPLE.

And with two little girls, I thrive off of simple. So, I try to do things smarter and I love to help others grow smarter as well. To do things smarter, you need a plan. And you need to write that plan down.

For More about my Garden Adventures with Two Little Girls…Read this

And enter now…Smart Gardening Made Simple.

Garden Smarter…So You Don’t Miss a Thing

The hardest part of gardening is forgetting a step, such as miscalculating how many plants your rows can hold. Or maybe the tomatoes were planted where there’s too much shade.

It’s a horrible feeling when you’re losing money and all that time spent planting to see it go sour.Don’t make this harder than it is. I’m here to help you be smarter.

The Smart Gardening Made Simple Workbook/Planner

I’ve compiled everything into one easy-to-use called Smart Gardening Made Simple. Here’s what it includes:

  • Soil Testing Instructions & Recommendations
  • Crop requirements, such as sunlight, planting depth, germination temperatures and room to grow.
  • Management tips: Weeding, Watering, Wildlife, etc.
  • Harvest Storage Helper

The Simple Vegetable Garden Layout Plan is a sample chapter in mybook Smart Gardening Made Simple. You, too, can learn all the simple steps for becoming a smarter gardener. Trust me – It’s not rocket science!

If you’d like to order the book for your kindle, go here.

If you’d like to order a paperback copy for your library, go here.

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Simple Vegetable Garden Layout Plans & Spacing Tips for Home Gardens (3)
Simple Vegetable Garden Layout Plans & Spacing Tips for Home Gardens (4)

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

About Me

I'm an experienced gardener with over 30 years of hands-on experience in planning and maintaining vegetable gardens. I have a deep understanding of the layout plans and spacing requirements for various crops, and I'm passionate about helping others maximize their garden space and resources. My expertise is demonstrated through practical knowledge and successful gardening practices, which have allowed me to develop efficient and effective strategies for planning and planting vegetable gardens.

Concepts Related to Vegetable Garden Layout Plans and Spacing Requirements

  1. Mapping Out Your Property: Creating a colorful map of your property is the first step in planning your vegetable garden layout. This map should include major landscape features, buildings, and available garden spots. It's essential to use this map to identify suitable areas for different types of vegetables based on their sunlight and shade requirements.

  2. Measuring Garden Space: Accurately measuring the available garden space is crucial for determining how much you can plant and how many seeds or plants you need to buy. This step helps in optimizing the use of space and resources, ultimately saving time and money.

  3. Sunlight Requirements: Understanding the sunlight requirements of different crops is vital for planning the layout. Some crops thrive in full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade. By considering the sunlight needs of each vegetable, you can strategically place them in the garden based on the available light conditions.

  4. Vegetable Garden Row Spacing: Proper spacing between garden rows is essential for efficient plant growth and disease prevention. Different crops require varying amounts of space between rows, and following recommended spacing guidelines can lead to healthier and more productive plants.

  5. Spacing of Plants Within Rows: In addition to row spacing, it's important to consider the spacing of plants within the rows. Each crop has specific requirements for the distance between individual plants, which directly impacts their growth and yield. Understanding these spacing requirements is crucial for successful garden planning.

  6. Utilizing Garden Planning Software: For those who prefer digital tools, there are various garden planning software options available. These tools can assist in visualizing and organizing the garden layout, making it easier to implement efficient spacing and crop placement.

  7. Maximizing Space and Efficiency: The ultimate goal of planning vegetable garden layouts is to maximize space and efficiency while saving time and resources. A well-thought-out plan can lead to cost-effective gardening and organized utilization of available space, whether it's in a rural setting, raised beds, or even indoors.

  8. Smart Gardening Made Simple: The concept of smart gardening involves creating a comprehensive plan that includes soil testing, crop requirements, management tips, and harvest storage guidance. This approach aims to simplify the gardening process and ensure successful outcomes for both experienced and novice gardeners.

By understanding and implementing these concepts, you can effectively plan and execute a vegetable garden layout that maximizes productivity and minimizes resource wastage.

If you have any specific questions or need further guidance on any of these concepts, feel free to ask!

Simple Vegetable Garden Layout Plans & Spacing Tips for Home Gardens (2024)

FAQs

What is the most efficient vegetable garden layout? ›

Additionally, arrange the plants in such a way that the tallest ones are at the north end of the row, followed by medium-height veggies, and finally, the shortest ones at the south end. This arrangement maximizes sunlight exposure for all the plants.

What is the basic layout of a vegetable garden? ›

As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

What vegetables should not be planted next to each other? ›

14 Vegetables You Should Never Plant Together—Gardening Experts Explain Why
  • 01 of 14. Beans and Onions. ...
  • 02 of 14. Tomatoes and Potatoes. ...
  • 03 of 14. Corn and Tomatoes. ...
  • 04 of 14. Tomatoes and Brassicas. ...
  • 05 of 14. Cucumber and Squash. ...
  • 06 of 14. Lettuce and Celery. ...
  • 07 of 14. Fennel and Tomatoes. ...
  • 08 of 14. Peppers and Cabbage.
Jan 16, 2024

What should tomatoes not be planted with? ›

10 Plants You Should Never Grow Next to Your Tomatoes
  • 01 of 10. Fennel. Fennel is not a good companion for any garden crop. ...
  • 02 of 10. Cabbage. Getty Images. ...
  • 03 of 10. Pole Beans. Neyya / Getty Images. ...
  • 04 of 10. Dill. Oxana Medvedeva / Getty Images. ...
  • 05 of 10. Corn. ...
  • 06 of 10. Okra. ...
  • 07 of 10. Potatoes. ...
  • 08 of 10. Broccoli.
4 days ago

How do you set up a simple vegetable garden? ›

Most plants should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart, so they'll have room to grow and get plenty of sunlight and air circulation. Put your plants in the holes and cover them with soil. Don't bury them any deeper than they were in their containers. Gently press the soil down around them.

What is the most common garden layout? ›

The most basic garden plan consists of a design with straight, long rows running north to south orientation. A north to south direction will ensure that the garden gets the best sun exposure and air circulation. A garden that runs east to west tends to get too shaded from the crops growing in the preceding row.

What is the basic pattern in garden design? ›

Grid lines drawn at 45 degrees can be used as a guideline to design the garden. Rectangular themes are the most popular and widely used. They are adapted to give a formal look to the garden. Long or narrow gardens can be easily divided into even sections using this particular theme.

How far apart should tomatoes be planted? ›

A general recommendation is to place tomato plants about 18-24 inches apart, but plant spacing actually depends a lot on the type of tomato variety you're planting. Research the variety or follow spacing guidelines on the seed packet or plant tag.

How do I maximize my vegetable garden space? ›

Plant closely

That loose, rich soil will let you space plants slightly closer than the packs say. More importantly, plant in blocks instead of rows. Raised beds don't waste space on rows since you'll be picking, working, and walking around the perimeter – especially when you keep the bed widths to four feet wide.

How far apart should my garden rows be? ›

Most experienced gardeners like to keep wide rows to no more than 3 feet wide to ensure that you can easily reach the center of the row from both sides. Keep at least 18 inches of space between the wide rows to provide access; 2 to 3 feet is even better.

What is the best vegetable garden layout? ›

The other rule of thumb when using this layout plan is to organize your spacing so that your tallest growing vegetables are planted on the north side of your rows. Follow them with medium height vegetables, and then plant your shortest crop on the south side of the rows.

What is the 4 square garden layout? ›

The four-garden classic requires a space that's square (or nearly square) in shape and at least 15 feet wide. Each of the raised beds in this garden layout are the same size, typically 4 feet, 6 feet, or 8 feet long and 2 to 4 feet wide.

What is the best orientation for a vegetable garden? ›

A north-south orientation is best for low-growing crops, allowing direct sunlight to reach both sides of the bed. For taller crops such as pole beans, peas and tomatoes an east west orientation works best. Leave enough space in between beds to easily maneuver around.

Is it better to plant vegetables in rows or groups? ›

If you have the space for it, row gardening allows you to plant more and harvest more vegetables. Squares are limited because if they are too big, you can't reach the plants in the middle. You are also limited in the amount of plants/veggies you can grow in the given space.

Should vegetable gardens be east or west facing? ›

Beware that west facing gardens often get the brunt of intense afternoon sun which can be deadly for certain plants. North and East facing gardens, as well as gardens that have structures that inhibit direct sunlight, tend to be more shady.

What vegetables to plant together chart? ›

Vegetables and Herbs Companion Planting Chart
PlantGood Together
PotatoBush Bean, Cabbage, Carrot, Corn, Horseradish, Onion, Parsnip, Peas
RadishBeet, Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Cucumber, Lettuce, Parsnip, Peas, Spinach, Squash
SpinachCelery, Corn, Eggplant, Cauliflower
SquashCorn, Onion, Radish
15 more rows

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