Tomato Spacing in a Raised Bed (Plant Count + Yield Range)
Recommended tomato spacing, how many plants fit in common beds, and a planning yield range per bed.
Worked example
Example bed: 4×4 ft, 12" depth, spacing 18". Length=48", width=48". Plants = floor(48/18)×floor(48/18) = 2×2 = 4 plants. If yield per plant is 6–15 lb and bed factor is 1.05 for raised, bed yield ≈ 4×(6–15)×1.05 = 25–63 lb (estimate).
Why the numbers vary
Tomato yields swing because cultivar (determinate vs indeterminate), trellising, season length, pruning, fertility, and disease pressure can change fruit count dramatically.
Use the calculator Opens prefilled state.
FAQ
Is 18 inches spacing always correct for tomatoes?
No. Many guides suggest 18–24 inches depending on variety, trellis style, and airflow needs.
How many tomato plants fit in a 4x4 raised bed?
At 18" spacing, the simple grid estimate is 4 plants. Wider spacing reduces plant count but can improve airflow.
Why does my plant count look low?
The grid method ignores paths and edge effects; it’s intentionally conservative to avoid overcrowding.
Do tomatoes need deeper than 12 inches of soil?
Deeper is often better, but 12 inches is a common planning depth for raised beds. Rooting depth depends on soil quality and watering.
Should I use the greenhouse factor?
Only if your environment truly behaves like a greenhouse; otherwise keep it conservative.
Sources
- Dataset values are estimates (see /data/crops.json).
- Use a local University Extension tomato spacing guide (URL PLACEHOLDER).
- Seed packet guidance for your specific cultivar.
Related
- How much soil for a 4x4 raised bed?
- Cubic yard to cubic feet conversion
- How many bags for a raised bed?
- Cucumber spacing
Estimates only. If you need accuracy, validate depth, compaction, and spacing with your local guidance.