Thoughts/plans on spacing

Our rows are spaced this year (2011) as follows:

• Tomatoes: 50-58 inches (center-to-center)
• Peppers and beans: 38-42 inches
• Okra: 38 inches
• Others: 38-44 inches

Observations

For the tomatoes, we need at least 60 inches, possibly 70, between tomato row centers.  Similarly, we don't need to put so many plants on one row.  This year we have 12 plants per row--adjacent cages are touching in some cases.  Next year: 8-10 plants per row (only).

(I believe that the number of tomatoes you get is proportional to the planted area, not the number of plants.)

The okra rows definitely need to be farther apart.  I have been unable to get my tiller between the rows this year.  50 inches might be enough (an extra foot), at least it will be enough early in the season.

I could have planted the peppers more compactly.  15 plants per row is quite sparse.  This could almost be doubled and the plants still wouldn't touch.

Summary for next year (2012)

• Tomatoes: rows are 60-70 inches apart; plants are 45 inches apart (center-to-center), which is about 10 plants per row.
• Okra: rows are 50 inches apart
• Everything else: rows are 40 inches apart.
• Peppers: 25 pepper plants per row.