Do Plants Grow Better When They Are Grouped Together or When They Are Separate?

Trees and Shrubs

• Trees and shrubs grow much better with plenty of space around them. This may be hard to imagine when you first purchase a spindly looking young deciduous tree before it's blooming or fruiting. But always inquire or research what the mature size of a tree will become so you don't plant other trees too near it. Some trees, such as tall, slender cypress, can be planted more closely together as they grow upward rather than outward. But an oak or grand maple can evolve to a very broad limb circumference.

Annuals and Perennials

• Flowers such as petunias, pansies, marigolds and other annuals can be grouped together, but still need to be spaced several inches apart when planted. You can cheat a little with these, depending on the plant and amount of space you have. Perennials like more room as they come back year after year and will get larger in time. Avoid cramping them for optimum growth.

Hanging Baskets

• You can arrange a group of annuals with ivy or other greenery that hangs or runs over the edges of a hanging basket. Crowding, or placing plants from several 4 or 6 inch pots inside one basket is not unheard of. This helps flowers to bloom in fuller appearing bunches. You'll have to pay close attention to the watering needs, however, and pinch off dead blooms regularly for the best effect. Ferns in hanging baskets don't do as well when crowded.

Vegetables

• A vegetable garden can begin with hundreds of seeds planted in a long row. As they grow, though, the plants will need to be thinned to the strongest seedlings. Squashes, zucchinis, tomatoes, cucumbers, runner beans, pumpkins and other gourds need plenty of room to grow. They may start out as cute little 4-leafed plants, but very soon, they will become large plants. Crowding them stunts growth and results in a limited or poor harvest. And remember, all plants need air as well as water and sun, so make sure they can all access these easily.