GardenKitHow it works
Enter plant-center spacing along the bed length, row spacing across the width and the minimum distance between a plant center and each bed edge. The calculator fits a centered rectangular grid. Remaining space is split equally between opposite edges; the entered spacing stays constant. A narrow bed can have no valid positions. This is not triangular planting, companion planting, a mature-canopy diagram or an automatic crop-spacing recommendation. Use the crop’s requirements and access needs when choosing the spacing. The preview displays at most 200 sampled positions while the count uses the full grid.
Formula
Positions along an axis = floor ((dimension − 2 × edge clearance) ÷ spacing) + 1, or zero if the clearance cannot fit. Total = positions per row × rows.
Example
In a 3 × 1.2 m bed with 30 cm spacing in both directions and 15 cm edge clearance, ten positions fit along the length and four rows fit across the width: 40 plant positions. The rows are centered. Increasing edge clearance or spacing reduces the count; no assumption is made about whether a particular crop will thrive at those distances.
Assumptions and limitations
Use product labels and local growing guidance. Defaults are examples. Assumptions use your inputs, not live weather or crop-specific prescriptions. Volume estimates exclude delivery and tax. Bag quantities round up.
Sources and assumptions
University of Minnesota Extension · Garden bed · University of Minnesota Extension · Water
Frequently asked questions
Are my garden measurements uploaded?
No. The tools save your current bed and settings in this browser. Clear this site’s data to remove them.
Does switching units change the result?
No. Dimensions stay in metres internally. Imperial views use feet and inches, cubic feet for bags and US gallons for water.
Are the defaults recommendations for my plants?
No. They are worked examples. Use product labels, crop requirements, soil moisture and local growing guidance.