seperating the plants is fine... 4 groups of 9 should be fine.

The watering is a different story.. They will probably need frequent watering in their youth.

Some out door growers start watering 12-18 inches away from the stalk and each time they water they move further from the stalk. The theory is that watering further away from the plant encourages larger root growth..

Larger root growth means
1. that the plant will get BIGGER
2. it will beable to get water on its OWN

Your enviroment and temperature will determine if you need to (or how often you should water.

: )