What is intercropping?

Growing two or more crops together in the same space. Fast-growing crops are planted between slow-growing ones, making maximum use of garden space.

What are good intercropping combinations?

Cabbage + lettuce, sweetcorn + beans, tomato + basil, brassicas + radish. The key is pairing slow and fast-maturing crops.

Does intercropping reduce yields?

The main crop may yield slightly less per plant, but total yield per square metre is higher because the intercrop is harvested before it competes significantly.

When do I plant the intercrop?

Plant the intercrop at the same time as the main crop. It should be harvested before the main crop needs all the space.

What is the difference between intercropping and companion planting?

Intercropping grows two crops simultaneously for yield (e.g., fast radishes between slow cabbages). Companion planting focuses on pest deterrence and mutual benefit.

GardenCalcs.uk

Intercropping Calculator — Grow Two Crops Together

Calculate spacing and plant counts for growing two crops in the same bed.

Bed Length

Length of the bed measured along the direction the rows run.

Bed Width

Width across the bed — rows are laid out across this dimension.

Main CropThe slower, taller crop set out at full spacing — it occupies the bed for the whole season.

IntercropA fast crop sown in the gaps and cropped before the main crop closes over and shades it out.

How We Calculate This

Main crop rows are planted at standard spacing. Intercrop rows fill the gaps between main crop rows.

Inter-rows = Main rows − 1. Intercrop plants are spaced at their own recommended distance within inter-rows.

Plant counts are derived by fitting a grid into the bed (plants per row = bed length ÷ spacing + 1, rows = bed width ÷ spacing + 1), placing a plant at both edges of the bed. If you prefer to leave a half-spacing margin at each end, expect roughly one fewer plant per row and per column.

This maximises bed productivity by using space that would otherwise be empty during early growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.