Proper spacing is key—and this Vetiver grass planting density guide ensures you get the most from every plant. Whether you’re aiming for soil stabilisation, erosion control, water purification, or land rehabilitation, correct planting density is essential to achieve the full benefits Vetiver has to offer.
1. Spacing Based on Application
Erosion Control on Slopes:
~Plant in hedgerows (single lines across the slope).
~Spacing between plants: 10–15 cm apart in a row.
~Spacing between rows: 1–2 meters vertically, depending on the steepness of the slope.
Riverbanks and Embankments:
~Plant in dense rows along the bank.
~Spacing between plants: 10–15 cm apart.
~Multiple rows: Stagger plants in rows, with about 30–50 cm between rows for added stability.
Flat Areas (e.g., Farms, Gardens):
~For windbreaks or property boundaries, space plants 15–20 cm apart in a single row.
~For flood control or waterway filtering, plant in hedgerows 30–50 cm apart.
Water Purification Systems (e.g., wetlands):
~Plant clusters with 20–25 cm spacing within clusters and 50–75 cm between clusters.
~Optimise for water flow and area coverage.
2. Calculating Number of Plants Per Square Meter
For dense planting (e.g., erosion control or steep slopes):
6–10 plants per linear meter in a row.
Example: A 10-meter-long row will need 60–100 plants.
For a 1m² area, you’ll need approximately 25–40 plants, depending on the density required.
For moderate planting (e.g., flat areas or water purification):
4–5 plants per square meter, depending on project goals.
3. Special Considerations
~Soil Type: Poor or loose soil may require tighter spacing to establish faster coverage.
~Plant Maturity: Smaller, immature plants may require closer spacing initially to ensure coverage as they grow.
~Site Conditions: Steeper slopes or areas with high water flow will benefit from denser planting.
4. Example Planting Scenario
A 10m x 10m area for erosion control:
With a spacing of 15 cm between plants in rows and 1 meter between rows:
Plants per row: 67 plants (10m ÷ 0.15m).
Number of rows: 10 rows (10m ÷ 1m).
Total plants: 670 plants.
5. Maintenance Tips
~Water plants regularly in the first 2–3 months for establishment.
~Monitor for weeds or pests and remove them promptly.
~Trim the leaves every 6 months to encourage root growth.
📞 Need help planning your Vetiver Grass project?
Call us at 0448 580 382 or visit https://vetiver-australia.com
Let our team assist you in finding the best planting density for your unique needs! 🌱
