Formula Used
Usable area = gross garden area − path area − border allowance. The calculator converts all dimensions into square feet. Crop percentages then divide the usable space.
Plant count = allocated area ÷ area per plant × method factor. Square-foot modes use plant spacing in both directions. Traditional rows use plant and row spacing.
Yield = plants × expected yield per plant × scenario factor. Water equals plants multiplied by weekly crop demand. Costs combine seeds, materials, irrigation, beds, and labour.
How to Use
- Enter the garden dimensions, bed count, paths, and planting method.
- Add vegetables and assign each crop a percentage of usable space.
- Enter household, frost, sunlight, soil, watering, and cost details.
- Select Create Garden Plan to generate quantities and schedules.
- Review warnings before purchasing seeds, soil, or irrigation equipment.
Example Vegetable Spacing Data
| Vegetable | Plant spacing | Row spacing | Typical maturity | Sunlight | Expected yield per plant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 24 in | 36 in | 75 days | 7 hours | 4.5 kg |
| Potatoes | 12 in | 30 in | 95 days | 6 hours | 2.3 kg |
| Carrots | 3 in | 12 in | 70 days | 6 hours | 0.12 kg |
| Onions | 4 in | 12 in | 105 days | 6 hours | 0.18 kg |
| Lettuce | 8 in | 12 in | 50 days | 4 hours | 0.35 kg |
| Spinach | 5 in | 12 in | 45 days | 4 hours | 0.2 kg |
| Peppers | 18 in | 30 in | 80 days | 7 hours | 2 kg |
| Cucumbers | 18 in | 48 in | 60 days | 7 hours | 5 kg |
| Beans | 6 in | 24 in | 55 days | 6 hours | 0.8 kg |
| Peas | 3 in | 18 in | 65 days | 6 hours | 0.35 kg |
Values are planning estimates. Variety, climate, soil, pests, and gardening practices can materially change real results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much garden space should each crop receive?
Start with household demand and crop productivity. Give larger shares to frequently eaten vegetables. Reserve smaller sections for high-yield crops.
What happens when allocations exceed 100%?
The calculator shows an error and stops the final estimate. Reduce one or more percentages. The total must not exceed available space.
Can I enter an exact plant quantity?
Yes. Enter the desired plant count beside a vegetable. The calculator then checks whether its allocated area is sufficient.
Why are extra seeds included?
Not every seed germinates or survives transplanting. The germination setting increases the seed requirement. Succession sowings also increase the total.
How accurate are harvest estimates?
They are broad planning estimates, not guarantees. Weather, variety, soil fertility, watering, and pests affect yield. Use the conservative scenario for cautious budgeting.
How should tall crops be positioned?
Place tall crops where they minimise shade. This is usually the northern side in the Northern Hemisphere. Reverse the direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
Does the planner check companion planting?
Yes. It flags selected pairs listed as helpful or unsuitable. Local experience should still guide final placement.
How does crop rotation work?
The planner groups crops by plant family. Avoid repeating the same family in one bed. Rotate legumes, brassicas, roots, and fruiting crops.
Can I use the calculator for containers?
Yes. Treat each container as a bed with common dimensions. Enter the container count and choose the container planting method.
How is watering time estimated?
The planner divides weekly crop demand by total emitter output. It then divides that time across weekly watering sessions. Adjust for rainfall and soil moisture.
Can I save my garden plan?
Yes. The save button stores the current form locally in your browser. The load button restores the saved entries later.