Compare spacing, root spread, light, and watering compatibility. Adjust pot size, depth, and planting density. Create tidy companion combinations for stronger container garden performance.
| Primary Plant | Companion Plant | Pot Diameter | Pot Depth | Primary Spacing | Companion Spacing | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Basil | 45 cm | 35 cm | 24 cm | 14 cm | 92 |
| Pepper | Marigold | 40 cm | 30 cm | 20 cm | 12 cm | 88 |
| Lettuce | Radish | 32 cm | 22 cm | 14 cm | 8 cm | 85 |
| Eggplant | Spinach | 50 cm | 38 cm | 26 cm | 10 cm | 81 |
1. Pot Surface Area
Surface Area = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)²
2. Pot Volume
Pot Volume (L) = Surface Area × Depth ÷ 1000
3. Effective Planting Area
Effective Area = Surface Area × Planting Efficiency × Drainage Factor
4. Requested Planting Area
Requested Area = (Primary Count × Primary Spacing²) + (Companion Count × Companion Spacing² × Root Spread Factor)
5. Density Percentage
Density % = (Requested Area ÷ Effective Area) × 100
6. Compatibility Index
Compatibility Index = Average of compatibility, sunlight, watering, and growth balance inputs
7. Overall Score
Overall Score = Average of compatibility index, area sufficiency, space score, and root balance score
This approach helps estimate whether a mixed container is spacious enough, whether the root competition is acceptable, and whether the companion pairing is practically balanced.
Enter the container diameter and depth first. These values estimate surface area and volume. Then enter how many primary plants and companion plants you want to place inside that pot.
Provide spacing values for both plant groups. Use larger spacing for dominant crops and smaller spacing for herbs, flowers, or quick companions. Next, rate compatibility, sunlight match, watering match, and growth balance from 0 to 100.
Use the root spread factor to reflect how aggressively the companion roots expand. Values above 1 increase competition. Add drainage factor and planting efficiency to account for real container conditions, soil structure, and layout losses.
Press calculate. The result appears below the header and above the form. Review density, recommended counts, and the verdict. Then compare the graph to decide whether to reduce plants, change spacing, or move to a bigger pot.
This calculator helps estimate whether two plant groups can share one container without excessive crowding. Instead of checking only pot volume, it also considers spacing, root pressure, light agreement, watering similarity, and general growth balance. That makes it useful for herbs, vegetables, flowers, and mixed patio arrangements.
Companion planting works best when each plant contributes something practical. One crop may provide shade, another may attract beneficial insects, and a smaller partner may fill unused surface space. In pots, however, the planting area is limited. Root overlap and watering conflicts can appear quickly, especially in warm weather.
This tool turns those planning issues into a set of measurable inputs. The pot diameter and depth describe the container size. Spacing values estimate how much room each plant group needs. Compatibility, sunlight match, and watering match express whether both crops can share similar growing conditions with minimal stress.
The root spread factor is especially helpful for container gardening. Two plants may look compact above the soil yet compete hard below the surface. The calculator adjusts requested planting area using that factor so spreading roots and vigorous companions are not underestimated. Drainage and planting efficiency also make the result more realistic.
After calculation, you get density percentage, suggested maximum mixed plants, recommended counts, and an overall score. A balanced result usually means the pot can support the pairing with sensible maintenance. An overpacked result suggests thinning plants, widening spacing, or choosing a larger container for stronger long term growth.
It means growing two or more plant types together so they share space usefully. Good pairings can improve layout efficiency, moisture use, harvesting convenience, and garden diversity inside one container.
Pot space is limited above and below the soil. Tight spacing can increase leaf shading, poor airflow, root competition, and fast drying. Good spacing usually supports healthier growth and easier maintenance.
A middle range is usually easier to manage. Very high density often means crowding. Very low density can waste available planting area. This calculator treats balanced packing as more practical than extremes.
Use values near 1.00 for average root competition. Use lower values for compact companions. Use higher values for aggressive root systems or fast growers that will compete strongly underground.
Yes. The calculator is flexible enough for herbs, ornamentals, vegetables, and mixed edible pots. Just enter realistic spacing and condition scores for the pairing you want to test.
Yes. A wide pot helps surface layout, but depth still affects root room and moisture stability. Shallow containers may limit larger crops even when the top area looks generous.
Two plants may fit physically but still disagree culturally. One may want more sun or drier soil. Separate scores help show whether the pairing is practical beyond simple spacing.
Reduce plant counts first. If the design still feels crowded, increase spacing or choose a wider or deeper container. That usually improves airflow, watering consistency, and root health.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.