See the bed before sowing

Visual plant spacing calculator

Compare straight-grid and offset layouts, estimate plant count, and preview every planting point.

Live worksheet

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Each field explains what to measure, where to find it, and how to read the result. Change any value to update the plan instantly.

Straight grids align plants for simple measuring. Offset rows stagger every other row and can fit more plants while preserving center-to-center spacing.

Usable bed lengthftThe plantable long dimension inside paths, edging, or bed walls.Example: An 8 ft bed gives 96 in of usable length.Usable bed widthftThe plantable short dimension. Exclude paths and unplanted borders.Example: A 4 ft bed gives 48 in of usable width.Mature center spacinginDistance from the center of one mature plant to the center of the next—not the gap between leaf edges.Example: Mark every 12 in along a tape measure.

Estimated planting points

32plants

Rows4

Full-row count8

Row spacing12 in

This is geometric capacity, not a crop prescription. Use mature plant spacing from the exact seed packet or a trusted local source.

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Sources & further reading

How to determine plant quantity for planting bedsIowa State University Extension and Outreach
Vegetable gardening handbookWashington State University Extension

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Plant spacing without the false precision

Sources & further reading