How far apart to plant tomatoes: Your guide

Written by Hannah Kingston on October 11, 2021

How far apart to plant tomatoes is a good question and in this article we’re going to guide you through everything you need to know about successfully growing lush tomato plants. 

Tomatoes thrive in warm, sunny condition and enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a PH of 5-6.5. In terms of the type of soil you should use for tomato plants, they’re pretty versatile and can grow in almost any soil as long as the pH balance is right. They like loam the most. 

But how far apart to plant tomatoes and what can you plant beside them? Let’s get stuck in!

How far apart to plant tomatoes 

Tomato plants require 12-24 inches depending on the type of tomato plants you intend to grow. 

There are two types of tomato plants and the type will determine how far apart you should plant each. 

Determinate – Determinate tomato plants are also called ‘bush tomatoes’ and form compact plants that grow about three feet tall, although some larger varieties can grow up to four feet. Determinate tomatoes are often left unsupported, but they can also be held upright with sturdy tomato cages. Determinate tomato plants require 12-18 inches of space between them. 

Indeterminate – Unlike determinate tomato plants which grow to a certain size and stop, indeterminate varieties can grow six to eight feet tall. They only stop growing when the end-of-season frost finally kills the plants. Also called ‘vining tomatoes’, they yield their harvest over a long period of time and are best grown on sturdy supports like tall wire cages, stakes, or trellises. Indeterminate tomato plants require 18-24 inches of space between them.

There are four main reasons that getting the correct spacing between tomato plants is important. 

1. Having enough space between your tomato plants allows for a greater volume of tomato plants to be grown. 

2. Ensuring that the spacing is correct makes it less likely for a disease to brew as the tomatoes have enough air circulation to thrive. 

3. Getting the spacing right ensures that all tomato plants receive enough sunlight, which is essential, particularly as the seedlings begin to grow bigger and stronger. 

How far apart do you plant tomatoes in a raised bed?

Whether you are planting your tomato plants directly into the ground or in a raised bed, they require the same spacings. 

Remember: 

Determinate tomatoes require 12-18 inches of space between them. 

Indeterminate tomatoes require 18-24 inches of space between them. 

How many tomato plants can I grow in a 4x4 raised bed?

According to greenhousetoday.com, a 4’x4’ raised bed can accommodate 4 or 5 tomato plants. For USDA zones with longer growing seasons, & for indeterminate tomato varieties, only 2 or 3 tomato plants might fit in a 4’x’4’ raised bed. Determinate tomato plants typically require less space than indeterminate varieties

Can I plant tomatoes and cucumbers next to each other?

You can grow tomatoes next to tomatoes. Infact they make great companions. Here are some more options for things that you can grow next to tomatoes, according to MasterClass: 

• Basil
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Borage and squash
• French marigolds and nasturtiums
• Asparagus
• Chives

How many tomatoes do you get from one plant?

You can expect 20-30 tomatoes per large plant, and a declining number for small to medium plants.

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