Read the range before choosing a number
The linked guide gives two separate ranges: 12–18 inches between cabbage plants within a row, and 24–36 inches between rows. Those are related but not interchangeable choices. The in-row interval sets how far apart retained plants sit along one line; the between-row interval sets how far that line sits from another row. Choose both deliberately rather than copying one number into the other.
Cultivar and intended head size are the stated reasons to pick a point in the range. A plan should record which point was selected and why, so the spacing can be checked later. Do not treat the range as a recommendation to use every value at once, and do not assume a point outside 12–18 inches is supported by this source.
- Write down the cultivar and intended head size before selecting an in-row spacing.
- Choose one in-row value between 12 and 18 inches and label it as the selected interval.
- Choose a separate between-row value between 24 and 36 inches for the row layout.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Distinguish sowing, thinning and retained plants
Sowing density, thinning decisions and the final stand are different stages. Seed may be sown more closely than the final in-row interval, then thinned so the plants you keep sit at the selected spacing. The counted item in the worked example is retained plants, meaning the plants intended to remain along the measured row after thinning or initial planting is settled.
That distinction matters when marking a bed. A mark for a retained plant is not a sowing mark and not a thinning instruction. Keep the selected interval and the counted item labeled clearly so a later check does not confuse seedlings with the final stand.
- Label the row plan with the selected in-row interval and the counted item: retained plants.
- Mark retained-plant positions only after the thinning or initial planting stage is decided.
- Keep sowing or thinning notes separate from the retained-plant marks.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Worked example: one measured row
The worked example is a geometrical row-count example, not crop advice for every garden. It uses a 144-inch row, a selected 18-inch center interval, and 9-inch margins at both ends. With those inputs, the first center is at 9 inches, the last center is at 135 inches, and the count is 8 retained plants.
The end margins are part of the count because they reserve space before the first center and after the last center. The 18-inch value is the selected point for this labeled scenario, not a claim that every cabbage row should use 18 inches. The example also does not establish a between-row distance; that must be chosen separately from the 24–36 inch source range.
- Measure the row length in inches or centimeters before counting.
- Enter the selected center interval and both end margins into the linked row calculator.
- Check that the first and last center positions fall inside the measured row.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
One row is not the whole garden layout
A counted row does not describe access paths, supports, adjacent rows or mature habit. Those choices must be made separately, and this brief does not supply distances for them. The between-row range from the source is the relevant fact for row separation, but it still needs a selected value and a labeled context.
Use the row count as one building block. Record the selected in-row interval, the selected between-row interval, the end margins and the counted item together, so the plan can be checked against the source range without implying that a single row defines the entire bed.
- Record the selected between-row interval separately from the in-row interval.
- Note access, support and adjacent-row decisions as separate planning items without assigning unsupported distances.
- Check the whole plan against the source ranges before marking the bed.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Check your measured example
One measured 144-inch row, with selected 18-inch centers and 9-inch margins at both ends. Count 8 retained plants.
Reference and growing system: USU gives cabbage plants 12–18 inches apart within rows 24–36 inches apart. Select the cultivar and intended head size before choosing a point in the range.
| Quantity | Calculated result |
|---|---|
| Usable row length (in) | 144 |
| Selected center spacing (in) | 18 |
| Margin at each row end (in) | 9 |
| Positions in this row | 8 |
| First center from row start (in) | 9 |
| Last center from row start (in) | 135 |
| What is being counted | retained plants |
The worked example uses a 144-inch row, 18-inch selected centers and 9-inch margins at both ends, producing 8 retained plants with the first center at 9 inches and the last at 135 inches. It is a geometrical count for one labeled scenario, not a spacing recommendation for all cabbage rows, and it does not set a between-row distance.
Count this row in the spacing calculator ↗Example inputs explain the method. Review the source context, chosen cultivar and actual site before planting or ordering.
Your before-you-plant checklist
- Cultivar and intended head size are recorded before the in-row point is selected.
- The selected in-row interval is labeled and falls within 12–18 inches.
- The selected between-row interval is recorded separately and falls within 24–36 inches.
- The counted item is labeled as retained plants, not seedlings or sowing positions.
- The row length, center interval and both end margins are entered in the linked row calculator and checked.
Questions that come up while planning
What cabbage spacing does the linked guide give?
USU gives cabbage plants 12–18 inches apart within rows 24–36 inches apart. The source also says to select the cultivar and intended head size before choosing a point in the range.
Does the 144-inch example recommend 18-inch cabbage spacing?
No. The example is a geometrical row-count scenario with a selected 18-inch center interval and 9-inch end margins. It shows how the count is calculated, not a crop recommendation for every row.
What does the count of 8 represent?
It represents retained plants along the measured 144-inch row, using the selected 18-inch centers and 9-inch margins at both ends. It is not a sowing count or a whole-garden plant total.
Sources & method
Horticultural guidance is linked to its original source and regional context. Geometry and unit conversions are calculated separately. Read how we prepare and check a page.
- How to Grow Cabbage in Your GardenUtah State University Extension