Planting Density

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Plant density, or plant spacing, describes the amount of space left between plants when planting a garden, field or other landscaping plants. The more closely spaced plants are, the higher the density.


The planting density of a certain bed of plants can be described by the number of plants within a given unit of area. For instance, 10 flowers per square foot could describe the planting density of a small flower bed. Another way to identify planting density is to simply measure the distance between a plant and the closest neighboring plant.


Planting density can impact the overall health of plants. Plantings that are too sparse (the density is too low) may be more susceptible to weeds, while plantings that are too dense might force plants to compete over scarce nutrients and water and cause stunted growth.


Following the spacing instructions that come with plants, seeds or bulbs is the best way to ensure proper density.


Gregory Hamel
