Garden Row Yield Calculator
Estimate how many plants fit in your garden rows and the total harvest you can expect from them.
How it works
Plants per row = ⌊(row length × 12) ÷ spacing⌋ + 1 · Total plants = plants per row × rows · Harvest = total plants × yield per plant
The number of plants a row holds is its length divided by the in-row spacing, plus one for the plant at the row’s start. Multiplying by the number of rows gives the plant count, and multiplying that by a realistic per-plant yield estimates the harvest. Per-plant yields vary widely — a healthy tomato might give 10–15 lb while a lettuce gives under a pound — so use figures from your own experience or seed catalog for the best estimate.
Worked example
Four 20 ft rows at 12 in spacing: ⌊(20 × 12) ÷ 12⌋ + 1 = 21 plants per row, 84 plants total. At 3 lb per plant that is 84 × 3 = 252 lb.
Frequently asked questions
What yield per plant should I use?
It varies by crop and conditions. Rough averages: tomatoes 8–15 lb, peppers 2–3 lb, bush beans 0.5 lb, summer squash 5–8 lb. Seed catalogs and local extension guides list expected yields you can refine over time.
Does closer spacing mean more harvest?
Only up to a point. Crowding plants increases the count but reduces the yield of each and invites disease from poor airflow. The recommended spacing usually maximizes total harvest, not plant count.
How do I plan rows for a target harvest?
Divide your target weight by the per-plant yield to get the plants needed, then by plants-per-row to get the rows. This calculator does the forward version so you can adjust length and rows until the harvest matches your goal.
Related calculators
This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.