Plants Need Personal Space, Too!
Appropriate plant spacing is an essential aspect of planting and a key component of a thriving garden. Plants need a competition-free zone to attain mature size and maximize productivity; plant roots do not want to battle for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Proper plant spacing is vital to ensuring long-term plant health because it allows for adequate air circulation around the plant. Crowded plants are also more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Planting too far apart may also be disadvantageous. If plants are too far apart, garden space (often limited) is inefficiently used, and potential yield decreases; fewer plants equal less yield. Additionally, further space between plants increases the available areas for weeds to grow and may require extra weed pulling.
Walkable Gardens
Ensure to leave space between plantings for walking. Rows should be narrow enough to reach the center of the bed from the walking path for maintenance and harvest.
Planting Close To Buildings
A garden can beautify your home, but planting too close to buildings may cause foundation damage and moisture issues. We recommend maintaining a plant-free buffer zone of at least one foot around your house.
Correct Root Position
Another crucial aspect of planting is ensuring that roots are placed into the ground (or container) without bending, twisting, or curving. Improperly placed or bent roots hinder water and nutrient absorption, leading to stunted growth, reduced berry production, and increased disease susceptibility. A plant may fail to flourish and die in severe cases of bent roots.
Don't Diminish Hard Work!
Plants spend time, energy, and resources growing healthy roots for you to plant. Plant all the roots; do not cut or trim the plant roots. Trimming roots decreases the support for new growth.
Product-Specific Recommendations
Strawberries
In the row: 12–18 inches
Between rows: 3–4 feet
Tip: Strawberry roots grow downward and must be planted with roots straight down with no bends. The crown should be even with the soil; a crown that is too deep can cause plant rot, and a crown that is too exposed can dry out.
Raspberries:
Red and Yellow :
In the row: 18–24 inches
Between rows: 8–12 feet, depending on machinery
Black:
In the row: 20–24 inches
Between rows: 8–12 feet, depending on machinery
Tip: Lay roots horizontally along the trench, about 2–3 inches. The top layer of roots should be 2 inches deep.
Blackberries:
In the row: 3–5 feet
Between rows: 8–12 feet, depending on machinery
Tip: Plant plugs ½–1 inch deeper than the soil level of the plant.
Asparagus:
Green:
In the row: 12–14 inches
Between rows: 5 feet
Purple:
In the row: 6–8 inches
Between rows: 5 feet
Tip: Plant roots horizontally, parallel to the bottom of the furrow and the soil surface. The planting furrow is 8–10 inches deep for medium and lighter soils and 6–8 inches deep for heavier, clay-like soils.
Blueberries:
In the row: 4–5 feet
Between rows: 10–12 feet
Tip: Incorporate wood chips into the soil before planting. Wood chips aerate the soil, increasing drainage and root penetration. Ensure root exposure to air and sun is limited when taking it out of its pot. Tease the roots if they are circling the perimeter.
Horseradish:
In the row: 10–12 inches
Between rows: 3 feet
Tip: Place the root piece at a 45° angle in the soil with the flat (larger) end up and the slanted end down. The flat end should be 1–2 inches below the soil surface.
Rhubarb:
In the row: 3 feet
Between rows: 5–6 feet
Tip: Good drainage is absolutely necessary. You must plant rhubarb in raised beds if your soil is heavy or slow-draining.
Elderberries:
In the row: 3–6 feet
Between rows: 10–12 feet
Tip: Cover the plug with ½ inch of soil, and do not prune the planting year.
Currants and Gooseberries:
In the row: 3–4 feet
Between rows: 6–8 feet
Tip: Cover the plug with ½ inch of soil, and do not prune the planting year.
