Start with the source range and your starting system
The linked guide applies 3 to 6 inches between shallot bulb sets within a row, with rows 12 to 18 inches apart. That is the range for planting bulb sets. Seed-grown shallots thinned to 2 to 4 inches are a different starting system, so do not mix that thinning spacing into a bulb-set count.
Within-row spacing is the center-to-center interval between sets, not the gap between their outer edges. Choose one value from the provided 3 to 6 inch range for your plan and record it. The row-to-row figure is also a range; it is not a substitute for deciding how much access space your bed or path needs.
- Confirm you are planting bulb sets, not raising seed-grown shallots to thin later.
- Record one within-row center spacing from 3 to 6 inches.
- Record a separate row-to-row spacing from 12 to 18 inches if you are planning more than one row.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Worked example: one 96-inch row at 6-inch centers
The example uses a 96-inch row, 6-inch centers, and a 3-inch margin at each end. The first center is at 3 inches and the last is at 93 inches. Counting positions at 6-inch intervals from 3 through 93 inches gives 16 bulb sets.
This is a geometrical count for one labeled scenario, not a recommendation that 6 inches is best for every garden. It also does not describe a full bed layout. The 3-inch end margins are part of this example only; choose your own end margins separately.
The counted item is bulb sets, not seedlings, cloves, or mature plants. The count tells you how many set positions fit in that measured row under those chosen values.
- Measure the actual row length in inches or centimeters.
- Subtract both chosen end margins from the row length.
- Divide the remaining length by the chosen center spacing, then count the positions that fit.
- Check that the first and last centers fall inside the row and match the example values.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Mark centers and keep the row in context
Mark each bulb set center at the chosen interval, starting after the first end margin. Keep the marks consistent so the count matches the plan. A single marked row is not an entire garden layout: access, supports, adjacent rows, and mature habit must be chosen separately.
The source gives a row-to-row range, but it does not supply path widths, bed-edge clearances, or support distances. Decide those from your own bed dimensions and how you will reach the plants. Do not invent a spacing figure to fill that gap.
If you plan several rows, apply the chosen within-row spacing to each row and use a separate row-to-row choice. The linked row calculator can count this exact length, center interval, and both end margins in inches or centimeters.
- Mark the first center after the chosen end margin.
- Continue at the chosen center interval and stop before the far end margin.
- Label the row with its length, center spacing, and end margins.
- Plan access and adjacent-row spacing separately from the within-row count.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Check your measured example
One measured 96-inch row, with selected 6-inch centers and 3-inch margins at both ends. Count 16 bulb sets.
Reference and growing system: USU gives shallot bulb sets 3–6 inches apart within rows 12–18 inches apart. Seed-grown shallots thinned to 2–4 inches are a different starting system.
| Quantity | Calculated result |
|---|---|
| Usable row length (in) | 96 |
| Selected center spacing (in) | 6 |
| Margin at each row end (in) | 3 |
| Positions in this row | 16 |
| First center from row start (in) | 3 |
| Last center from row start (in) | 93 |
| What is being counted | bulb sets |
The worked example is a 96-inch row with 6-inch centers and 3-inch margins at both ends. Its first center is at 3 inches, its last at 93 inches, and it counts 16 bulb sets. This is a geometrical example for one labeled scenario, not crop advice or a complete garden layout.
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
- Confirm the plan uses bulb sets rather than seed-grown shallots to be thinned.
- Record one within-row center spacing from 3 to 6 inches.
- Measure the row and record both end margins.
- Check that the first and last marked centers fall inside the row.
- Keep row-to-row spacing and bed access as separate decisions.
Questions that come up while planning
What spacing does the source give for shallot bulb sets?
The linked guide gives 3 to 6 inches between bulb sets within rows and 12 to 18 inches between rows. Seed-grown shallots thinned to 2 to 4 inches are a different starting system.
Does the 16-set example apply to every shallot row?
No. It is a geometrical count for a 96-inch row with 6-inch centers and 3-inch margins at both ends. A different row length, center spacing, or end margin changes the count.
Can I use the row count as my whole raised-bed layout?
No. The count covers one measured row. Access, supports, adjacent rows, and mature habit need separate choices, and the source does not supply those distances.
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 Shallots in Your GardenUtah State University Extension