Ideal spacing---in the Dirt---in rows & between rows

nmlarson

nmlarson

After a search of the growing archives, I can't seem to find a good answer to this question.  So I'll ask your opinions.
 
When planting in the dirt (I am using raised rows), what's the ideal spacing you prefer?  I'm talking to avoid sun scald, yet keep good air flow,  Last year, I planted in a staggered double row, keeping 3 feet between each plant and that was waaaaay too much spacing. Doing that ended up with 2-1/2' spacing on the diagonal and 1-1/2' between rows.
 
staggered peppers.jpg

 
Too much of the crop was lost to sun scald.  Yet, I suspect if I keep 2 feet between plants in a row, it's not going to be enough space to maintain good air flow.  The community gardens are on a rise, are generally fairly breezy and has no shade whatsoever, other than what I provide with plantings (i.e., sunflowers) or shade cloth.  Yes, I know peppers love sun, but too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing.
 
What kind of spacing works for you?
 
 
If your plants grow without damage, you shouldn't be seeing much sun scald. Just when something happens that expose fruit to sun. I grow most of my plants with 5-6' of spacing, and yes, there will always be some sun scald. But seeing that I have more intense sun down here, I'm not sure that I'd favor the idea of planting denser, as this can have all sorts of implications - the main one being pests and powdery mildew.
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If you really feel that the sun is a problem, why not consider shade cloth?
 
my plants are in containers and 12 to 16 inches apart and even though they get bushy they seem to grow just fine. if i had the space i would plant in the ground with 24 inch spacing. 
 
mine are double rows like this:
 
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its like 1.5 ' between each plant
 
4' between rows for walking / harvesting / airflow
 
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https://pepperdatabase.org/pdf/scotch-bonn-product.pdf
Spacing Spacing is very important to Scotch Bonnet pepper growth. Proper spacing will ensure maximum use of the land without overcrowding. Rows may be spaced 90 – 150 cm (3 - 5 ft) apart, with plants along the row at 90 cm (3 ft). For high density planting, rows 90 cm (3 ft) apart with plants 90 cm (3 ft) apart, is recommended, but only at low elevations.
 
https://pepperdatabase.org/pdf/CARDI-PRODUCTION-MANUAL-2011reprint.pdf
Higher plant population densities are recommended. Accordingly, seedlings should be spaced at 3 ft x 2 ft (90 cm x 60 cm) producing 7,260 plants/ac (17,932 plants/ha), 2.5 ft x 2 ft giving 8,712 plants/ac (21,527 plants/ha) or 2 ft x 2 ft (60 cm x 60 cm) producing 10,890 plants/ac (26,898 plants/ha).
 
I might be a little different than most, but I like mine a little tighter together, and I seem to get pretty good yields.
 
I grow in 8x4x1 beds, and I put 3 rows of 6 peppers in each bed. Works out to about 18 inches between plants after offsetting the outermost plants from the edge of the bed. I don't seem to have any airflow issues, although I have to be careful not plant shorter varieties in the middle row, as that can make harvesting difficult.
 
More space between rows, especially for a higher number of rows, is probably advantageous, but for space between plants in the same row, I can't say I have any complaints about 18 inches.
 
Key word in your question is preference.  My rows are four foot apart on center.  This way, I have plenty of room to get in between the without harming plants.  They ru East to West because that is how the property slopes, not for a sun reason.  Helps drainage.  Into each row goes five plants.  The distance between plant is my elbow to the tip of my finger on center.  About five plant goes into each East West row, then there is a break for water to run North following the slope of the land.  Then another row picks up.
 
For me, out door spacing is a matter of preference for how I grow and the land i am growing on.  Is the spacing perfect for every variety?  Nope.  Lots of waisted space between things like my tiny Thai which only grow a foot tall or so.  Yep, larger plants collide a bit.  But it is better than me out there with a yard stick checking everything as I plant or moving the raised rows every year I grow something else in the same spot.

Indoor spacing / high tunnel is a different story.  There  I have to really think things out.
 
Think I can sum up by saying go with what you know, experiment, and try to improve based on your own preferences and conditions.
 
solid7 said:
 
Some people complain that we're still on the Imperial system.  Hell, you're still measuring in cubits. :D
Click to expand...
 
You crack me up.  Now ya wanna guess what body part I use to measure clone toppings?  Give you a hint, on larger plants I need a step lader.
 
 
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