Planting Spacing Calculator
Find out how many plants fit in your bed based on spacing requirements.
Bed dimensions
Plant spacing
If entered, this overrides the dropdown above.
Your estimate
Plants needed
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plants
Bed area
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sq ft
Spacing used
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inches
Bed area—
Planting pattern—
Plant spacing—
Area per plant—
Plants (rounded up)—
Grid vs. triangular planting
Grid planting places plants in straight rows and columns — it's simple, tidy, and easy to maintain. Triangular (offset) planting staggers each row so plants sit between those in the row above, fitting roughly 15% more plants into the same area and creating a more natural, lush look once established.
For formal gardens and vegetable beds, grid works well. For flower borders and naturalistic planting, triangular offset gives better coverage and looks more organic.
Frequently asked questions
What spacing should I use for perennials?
Most perennials do well at 12–18 inches apart. Check the plant tag for the mature spread — a plant with a 2-foot mature width should be spaced 24 inches from its neighbours. Planting too close leads to overcrowding within 2–3 seasons.
Should I buy extra plants as a buffer?
Yes — add 10% to account for transplant losses, damaged plants from the nursery, or gaps you spot once everything is in the ground. For rare or expensive plants, stick closer to the exact number and fill gaps later.
How does plant spacing affect mulching?
Tighter spacing means plants will eventually cover the ground themselves, reducing your mulch needs over time. With wider spacing, mulch plays a bigger role in weed suppression until plants fill in — factor this into your mulch budget. Use our mulch calculator to estimate.