Block Planting

[Maf]

Most seed packs call for sowing thinly in rows ?cm appart.

The '?cm appart' value always strikes me as a bit excessive (perhaps this is because it compensates for the sowing thinly bit (what is thinly anyway ?)

So how do I translate these values into block planting ?

[zazen999]

This also bugs me; as I don't plant in rows either. I block plant [actually, more like tesselate]. I use stuff like onions and leeks to mark out squareish beds and will do a row of say 5 then 4 then 5 then 4 etc; to try and space everything out.

I don't really go by the packs anymore. If I did; I would take the amount that it says between plants, and the amount between rows; and use the average of both. So if it says 3 inches between individual plants and 8 between rows, then I'd go for 5-6 between each in a block.

I do also have the Hessayan book which gives better guidance, and use the same principle.

I also try and visualise how big these plants are going to get, and space them out to give enough to grow into.

then again, I also broadcast plant and move things about if necessary!

Confused.com here

[Flummery]

I tend to do staggered rows in blocks too - and I always put things closer than they say. My excuse is that with beds, you don't need to leave the 'walking between the rows' distances that you do with the trad allotment system. Also, if you plant 'too' closely you just get smaller veg, which for the modern family or even couple is not a bad thing. I don't really want a 10lb cauli!

[Getoffmylande]

Although to most people what you are currently doing is without problems.If you were growing for shows or to get really good specimins then the spacings are very important. I must admit i do tend to give the crops the proper spacings but often put flowers in between to aid companionship against pests and to help keep the weeds down.The main thing to remember about growing your own is if it works for you and you are happy with the results then stick with it .