Perennial Plant Spacing Calculator

plants

How to Calculate Perennial Plant Spacing

The formula to calculate the number of plants for a given garden area is:
Number of Plants = (Garden Length × Garden Width) ÷ (Spacing × Spacing)

Measure the length and width of your garden area.

  1. Determine the spacing required between each plant (typically 1-3 feet depending on the species).
  2. Input the values into the calculator to find the number of plants needed.

Example:

Imagine you’re planning a garden with a length of 10 feet and a width of 5 feet, and each plant requires 2 feet of spacing.

  • Garden Area: 10 ft × 5 ft = 50 ft²
  • Plant Spacing Area: 2 ft × 2 ft = 4 ft²
  • Number of Plants: 50 ÷ 4 = 12.5 (rounded up to 13 plants)

This calculation ensures proper spacing for plant health and aesthetics.

Disgram of plant spacing:

Garden Area Plant 1 Plant 2 Plant 3 Plant 4 Plant 5 Plant 6 Plant 7 Plant 8 1.5 ft 1.5 ft 1.5 ft 1.5 ft 1.5 ft 1.5 ft 1.5 ft 1.5 ft 1.5 ft Legend Plants Spacing (1.5 ft)

FAQs

1. How much space do perennials need between each plant?
Spacing varies by plant type but typically ranges between 1-3 feet. Check your plant species’ recommendations for optimal growth.

2. Can this calculator handle irregular garden shapes?
For irregular shapes, divide your garden into smaller sections, calculate the plants for each section, and sum them up.

3. Does plant spacing affect growth?
Yes, proper spacing allows for better air circulation, nutrient uptake, and reduced competition, promoting healthier plants.