The correct planting distance plays a central role in the successful cultivation of tomatoes. If the mighty tomato plants are too crowded, there is a risk of unnecessary care problems. Find out the most important data for beds, balconies and greenhouses here.
What planting distance should you keep for tomatoes?
The optimal planting distance for tomatoes varies depending on the location: In the open field, a distance of 60-80 cm in the bed and 80-100 cm between the rows is recommended. In the greenhouse, 50 cm distance is sufficient, while on the balcony 50-80 cm is advisable, depending on the height of the plant.
Appropriate spacing in the bed has several advantages
In the open field, tomato plants are particularly susceptible to diseases and pests. If insufficient planting spacing is used here, there is a risk of the dreaded brown rot, especially if there is no rain protection. In addition, the care work is significantly hindered if the tomatoes are too close together. Therefore, experienced tomato gardeners advocate the following values:
- Planting distance in the bed: 60 to 80 centimeters
- Row spacing: 80 to 100 centimeters
Tomatoes in the greenhouse bed can be placed closer together
In the greenhouse, the space capacity is always limited. Understandably, hobby gardeners are stingy with the planting distance here. Since tomato plants in the greenhouse are protected from strong wind and rain, they can be planted a little closer together. However, you should not be less than 50 centimeters away.
Safety distance also applies on the balcony
Small tomato varieties are extremely popular for growing in containers on the balcony. No wonder, because caring for cocktail tomatoes is easy. Hanging tomatoes, which can be eaten from a deckchair, create paradisiacal conditions. Regardless, the importance of the appropriate planting distance should not be underestimated. Cunning fungal spores and insatiable lice also lurk here. These values apply:
- Growth height up to 25 centimeters: planting distance of 50 to 60 centimeters
- Growth height greater than 25 centimeters: planting distance of 60 to 80 centimeters
These values apply both to planting in balcony boxes and to placing individual pots next to each other. If, despite these distances, the leaves of neighboring tomato plants constantly touch each other, the pots are pushed apart or the endangered foliage is cut out.
Tips & Tricks
When sowing tomato seeds, a sufficient distance comes into focus. The individual seeds are ideally planted 3 centimeters apart. At least there should be room for a 50 cent coin between them.
