Maize-tef (Eragrostis tef (Zuc.) Trotter) relay intercropping is practiced in parts of southern Ethiopia. However, the impacts of maize (Zea mayi L.) planting pattern and leaf stripping by farmers are not yet understood. The efficiency of maize-tef relay intercropping was assessed under different combinations of maize planting pattern and leaf removal. Planting pattern included broadcasting, 60 cm x 37.5 cm, 75 cm x 30 cm, and 100 cm x 22.5 cm, while leaf removal consisted of no leaf removal, leaf removal below the ear, and leaf removal below the ear plus two leaves removal at ten days interval. Tef was sown by broadcasting under the standing maize crop about 35 days from maize silking. Broadcasting and narrow inter-row maize spacing significantly (P