Proper spacing is crucial for healthy growth, airflow, and high yields.
The spacing of tomato plants depends on the variety and what you are planning for plant supports. Rows should be spaced about 3 to 4 feet apart to give you access for watering, pruning, and harvesting, and to help prevent the spread of disease. Proper spacing also encourages healthy root development and improves overall yield.
Why Proper Spacing Matters
Improves air circulation, reducing fungal diseases like blight.
Recommended Spacing by Tomato Type
Determinate (Bush) Tomatoes: 18–24 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart
Indeterminate (Vining) Tomatoes: 24–36 inches apart in rows 3–4 feet apart
Container Tomatoes: At least a 5-gallon pot per plant
NOTE: The difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes article on our blog is here.
When in doubt, plant tomatoes further apart rather than closer together. Here are some signs you may have planted your tomatoes too close together:
-- Plants are growing slowly or producing a poor harvest
-- You can't tell where one plant ends and another begins (vines entangled)
-- Foliage remains wet even in the heat because there is inadequate air flow
-- Harvesting is difficult because you can't access the plants from all sides
Why Proper Spacing Matters
Improves air circulation, reducing fungal diseases like blight.
- Gives roots room to spread and absorb nutrients.
- Allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plant, promoting better fruit ripening.
- Makes watering, pruning, and harvesting easier.
Recommended Spacing by Tomato Type
Determinate (Bush) Tomatoes: 18–24 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart
- Compact plants that grow to a set height and produce fruit all at once.
- Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Indeterminate (Vining) Tomatoes: 24–36 inches apart in rows 3–4 feet apart
- Continues growing and producing fruit until frost.
- Needs staking, cages, or trellising to support growth.
Container Tomatoes: At least a 5-gallon pot per plant
- Use dwarf or patio varieties for best results.
NOTE: The difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes article on our blog is here.
When in doubt, plant tomatoes further apart rather than closer together. Here are some signs you may have planted your tomatoes too close together:
-- Plants are growing slowly or producing a poor harvest
-- You can't tell where one plant ends and another begins (vines entangled)
-- Foliage remains wet even in the heat because there is inadequate air flow
-- Harvesting is difficult because you can't access the plants from all sides