As winter drags on, I find myself dreaming of warm soil and fresh-picked veggies. It’s that time of year when my garden plans feel perfect—before reality (and overgrown zucchini) set in. But one thing I’ve learned?
A little planning goes a long way.
This year, I’m thinking about three different types of 4’x8’ garden bed setups, each with a theme that makes the most of the space. If you’re mapping out your raised beds, here are a few combinations to consider:
🌿 1) The “Salad & Snacking” Garden
For those who love picking fresh greens and crisp veggies straight from the garden, this setup is a winner.📍 Plants:
3-4 Romaine or Butterhead Lettuce (transplant in early April)
4-6 Spinach plants (direct seed in late March)
6-8 Radishes (direct seed in early April, succession plant every 2 weeks)
2-3 Cucumber plants (transplant in mid-May, trellis them up to save space!)
4-6 Basil plants (transplant in mid-May)
1-2 Sweet Peppers (transplant in mid-May)
📅 Timing: Start with greens and radishes in early spring, then add warm-weather crops in May.
🍅 2) The “Sauce & Sizzle” GardenIf you love fresh pasta sauce and grilled veggies, this is your bed!📍 Plants:
4 San Marzano or Roma Tomatoes (transplant mid-May)
2 Sweet Bell Peppers (transplant mid-May)
2 Jalapeño or Banana Peppers (transplant mid-May)
2-3 Basil plants (transplant mid-May)
3-4 Oregano and Thyme plants (transplant mid-May)
2 Zucchini plants (direct seed in mid-May)
📅 Timing: This one is all about the heat, so most of these need to wait until mid-May when the soil is warm.
🌽 3) The “Three Sisters” Companion GardenAn old but genius Native American planting method that works beautifully in a 4’x8’ space. Corn provides structure, beans climb, and squash shades the soil.📍 Plants:
4-5 Corn plants (direct seed mid-May in a block formation)
4-5 Pole Beans (direct seed in late May, once corn is 6” tall)
2-3 Pumpkin or Winter Squash (direct seed in late May)
📅 Timing: Start with corn in mid-May, then add beans and squash a few weeks later.
Now’s the time to start planning! What’s going in your garden this year? Are you trying a new layout, adding a new bed, or making space for a plant you’ve never grown before? Let’s dream of green together! 🌿💚
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