Tomatoes in Raised Beds: Why Four Plants Per Bed Might Be Your Sweet Spot
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Everyone who has taken a stab at growing food has likely spent some time growing tomatoes. There is nothing better than harvesting a tomato that has ripened on the vine—knowing exactly how it was grown, slicing into it, and noticing all the differences between the tomato you grew and that lifeless one from the store.
However, there is an art to growing that beautiful, juicy, flavorful tomato that truly stands above the rest.
In this chapter of gardening, we’re diving into:
- How many tomato plants actually belong in a raised bed
- Trellising options that maximize space and airflow
- Pruning techniques that give your plants a serious advantage
How Many Tomato Plants Per Raised Bed?
“The more the merrier” works great in life—but not always in the garden, especially when it comes to tomatoes. Plant spacing is largely determined by variety type and trellising method.
Indeterminate Tomato Varieties
Indeterminate tomatoes:
- Grow tall and continuously
- Require trellising
- Benefit from regular pruning
- Can be planted closer together
Uncle Google will often suggest spacing indeterminate tomatoes 18–36 inches apart. I tend to push the narrative a bit and plant them 18 inches apart.
As long as:
- Proper trellising is in place
- Pruning is done consistently
- Airflow is maintained
…your tomatoes will still have plenty of room to thrive.
Determinate Tomato Varieties
Determinate tomatoes are bush-type plants and require:
- 24–36 inches between plants
- Less pruning
- More horizontal space
Even with proper spacing, I still manage to squeeze in a lot of companion plants.
Companion Planting in Tomato Beds
Marigolds always line the outside edges of our tomato beds. Since doing this, we rarely see:
- Japanese beetles
- Tomato hornworms
- Stink bugs
Between tomato plants, I like to grow:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Chives
Rosemary is also a great companion, but since it’s a perennial, it requires a bit more planning when refreshing beds. I personally skip it in tomato beds and grow plenty of rosemary in our fruit tree guilds instead.
👉🏼 You can read more about that here:
What Is a Fruit Tree Guild and How To Create One in Your Garden
Or watch this video 👇🏼
Tomato Trellising Options That Actually Work
Trellising tomatoes checks off a lot of boxes:
- Supports heavy plants at maturity
- Improves airflow
- Saves space
- Adds structure and beauty to the garden
I would personally pass on the tomato cages found at big box stores. They’re flimsy and far too short to support a fully mature tomato plant.
Trellising Methods We’ve Tried
-
DIY cages from welded wire or hog panels
Sturdy, customizable, and long-lasting -
Florida Weave
I used this method for two seasons. It showed promise but became too labor-intensive. If you fall behind adding weaves, catching up becomes back-breaking fast—tomatoes grow quickly. -
Lower and Lean Method
An all-time favorite with zero downfalls. Unfortunately, after relocating across the country, I didn’t have the time or patience to set it back up. -
The “Trellis to Make You Jealous”
This is what we currently use. I learned it from one of my favorite YouTube channels, Josh Sattin Farming.
Why I love it:
- Easy to set up
- Strong support
- Simple off-season teardown
- Budget-friendly
- Not an eyesore
👉 For more trellis ideas, check out this post:
How To Build a Simple Trellis System For Tomatoes
Or watch this video 👇🏼
Want a simple plan for growing food in small spaces?
Grab the Slow Start Homestead free guide—perfect for apartments, patios, and tiny yards. Start with what you have (even buckets) and build confidence fast.
No spam. Just practical, real-life homestead skills that work in small spaces.
Pruning Tomatoes for Better Yields and Airflow
Pruning is one of the main reasons you can plant tomatoes closer together.
Proper pruning helps:
- Increase airflow
- Maximize fruit production
- Encourage healthy new growth
Pruning Indeterminate Tomatoes
If you’re using the Lower and Lean or Trellis to Make You Jealous, you’ll want to learn the single-stem method.
In short:
- Prune to one main stem (sometimes two)
- Remove suckers as they appear
Suckers will eventually become an entire plant of their own, pulling energy away from fruit production. If removed early, they can simply be pinched off—and yes, they can even be transplanted.
Additional pruning tips:
- Remove all leaves and branches about 1 foot up from the soil
- Selectively thin leaves to improve airflow
- Don’t overdo it—leaves protect fruit from sunscald during hot summer months
Pruning Determinate Tomatoes
Determinate varieties require far less pruning.
Focus on:
- Removing leaves touching the soil
- Lightly pruning suckers below the first flower cluster
- Avoiding heavy pruning
These bush-type plants should not be trained to a single stem.
The main goals are:
- Healthy airflow
- Foliage kept off the ground
- A good layer of mulch to prevent soil splash-back
Final Thoughts on Growing Tomatoes in Raised Beds
These are some of the most important things to consider when:
- Growing tomatoes in limited space
- Enjoying bountiful, delicious harvests
- Spending time with healthy, thriving plants
Be sure to scroll through our other blog posts to keep learning and living in harmony with your garden.
Happy growing! 🌱
Jason & Krystal 🌿
