Every gardener has likely had a fail of some sort when growing tomatoes. These abundant growing vegetables (or fruit?) produce at such rapid speeds that planting them too close together is asking for problems, like stunted growth, plant disease, and a smaller harvest.

But, if you properly plant your tomatoes far enough apart, you should be good to go! Here’s your complete guide for tomato plant spacing you can enjoy a bountiful harvest without the headache.

How Far Apart To Plant Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a general recommendation to space each plant 24 to 36 inches apart in each row. Your rows of planted tomato plants also have specific planting considerations such as being 36 to 48 inches apart, but spacing really comes down to the type of tomatoes you’re planting.

Understanding Tomato Plant Varieties

There are two types of tomatoes you can plant when the season is right: determinate or indeterminate. What’s the difference? Well, determinate tomatoes reach a mature size and stop growing/producing their fruit. On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes keep growing and producing until the next frost.

Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes do not grow in vines but are a bush-like variety. They typically reach up to 8 to 10 feet tall and need to be spaced out 18 to 24 inches apart in their rows with their rows spreading 3 to 4 feet apart.

Indeterminate tomatoes are the vining tomato plants that can reach up to 12 feet or higher with their consistent growth. For spacing needs, this variety requires at least 18 inches apart from the other plants in their row. Since they grow upward instead of outward, they’re more forgiving for being planted closer to their neighbor.

Spacing Guidelines for Different Growing Conditions

Other than variety, there are other spacing guidelines for where you’re planting and what you’re planting your tomatoes in. Here are the recommended conditions to keep your outdoor vegetable garden growing at it’s best!

In-Ground Planting

Planting directly into the ground? Then space your determinate tomatoes out by 18 to 24 inches per plant and your indeterminate tomato plants 18 inches apart. Keep your rows spaced out at least 36 inches to make it easier for maintaining your growing plants.

Raised Bed Planting

There’s not much difference in space considerations for raised beds compared to in-ground planting. The biggest factor is the depth since the roots of your plants will need nutrients that are found deep in the soil. You’ll need to plant your tomatoes at least 12 inches deep in the soil for it to grow and reach it’s peak from the nutrients.

Container Planting

Containers do not offer the space that in-ground or raised bed planting does, so each tomato plant will need to be kept in it’s own planter. Compact tomato plants are fine to keep in smaller containers that measure 12 inches wide and deep. Non-compact tomato plants need large containers since they provide more space for growth and optimal health. While it may seem like you’re wasting all the space large containers offer for one tomato plant, there are a few companion planting options you have such as marigolds or a few herbs that won’t compete with your tomato plant for nutrients.