Best layout for crop farms in Minecraft

When it comes to getting started, Minecraft's crop farming mechanic is pretty simplistic. However, things can change when players need their crops quickly and in great numbers. This leads fans to experiment with different crop layouts when they're farming the standard carrots, beetroot, potatoes, wheat, and more.

Typically, Minecraft players will create their standard crop farms in 9x9 patches with a water source block at the center. However, it should be noted that by combining multiple crops and assigning them in a row-based layout with the same amount of water, players can grow and harvest their plants at a much faster clip without losing any productivity.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions

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Why the alternating rows layout is the best for growing standard crops in Minecraft

Alternating rows of crops encourages accelerated growth in Minecraft (Image via Mojang)

It can be tempting to simply grow a single crop type in a 9x9 Minecraft farm plot when players only need one crop for crafting/food. However, using an alternating row layout will provide multiple crop types and encourage each one's growth. This is because Mojang programmed crops in a way that they're partially based on real-world companion planting, which is a way of improving gardening productivity.

In companion planting, certain crops can effectively work with each other on the same farm or garden to improve yields and the health of the crops while reducing pest problems. Mojang takes this into account in Minecraft, and one of the ideal situations for optimal crop growth (in addition to lighting and water) is proximity to a different crop type or an empty patch of farmland.

Since an empty patch of farmland obviously isn't productive, placing alternating rows of crops in a 9x9 farm to start and placing a water source block in the center ensures that all of the farmland is given ample water. This also ensures the crops are growing at improved speeds due to being lined up next to each other. Throw in some well-placed overhead lighting, and the crops can proliferate day or night.

This layout doesn't provide as much of a singular crop at a time. However, the good news is that if players expand the farm and add more 9x9 rows of crops, they can easily make up for the single-crop deficiencies since the row method is easily replicable.

With a few extra farm plots complete with rows of standard crops, all well-lit and watered, players will have fast-growing crops and plenty of them to harvest.