spacing in fixed raised beds

[Justy]

can anyone help me regarding the spacing of plants within a raised bed.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that when planting in a rectangular raised bed that the spacings between plants should be equidistant so that the distance between 'rows' is the same as between each plant within the row.

Is this right and if so does it apply to all plants?  I planted the peas across the width of the bed and then standard distance (2ft) between the rows.  This means I am not going to get very many rows in down the bed.  JHowever planting them 10 cm apart in all directions seems a bit close.  ???

[Justy]

[MikeB]

That's right Justy, the planting distance is as per the seed packet, but the distance is the recommended distance between plants and this is applied in all directions.  This is one of the main advantages of the raised bed system, a greater yield per square footage.

[supersprout]

Hi Justy, my peas get sprouted first, then planted 3" apart in all directions like Mike says:



It felt very scary the first time I did it - until the first crop!

Either rows, station sown in blocks or broadcast will work on beds, depending on what needs sowing, and what space you have. I sometimes plant e.g. carrots and parsnip in rows across the bed at just over a hoe's width, to make it easier to keep the weeds down when they are small, although this is more than the 'recommended' spacing for beds. I do think it's important to experiment over several seasons (layout, width, paths, planting density and pattern) until you have a system that suits you.

[Justy]

thanks - that could explain why I have not got much from each bed in last 2 years!  The hoe width is a really good idea.  I think I will go back later and fill in the gaps between pea rows!

[Aylana]

Ooooooh!  I have been doing rows in my raised beds with the 2ft between them and wondering where on earth I'm going to find the room for everything! 

Best get down and stick some more onions in then!!!