Raised bed planner: from dimensions to a planting plan
Measure the usable internal area, note sunlight and allow for mature plants. Plan the main crop first, then consider earlier and later crops that fit the available growing season.
Example: a raised bed measuring 120 × 80 cm inside
| Stage | Decision | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Site | Record sunlight and shade | Conditions change during the season. |
| Early crop | Consider radishes or cut-and-come-again lettuce | Check variety dates and harvest before the main crop needs the space. |
| Main crop | Choose a few useful vegetables | Enter mature sizes and spacing; the bed has only 0.96 m². |
| Later crop | Replan after harvest | Check time to maturity, frost and plant family. |
Put your plan into practice
Measure inside
Measure plantable area and check that you can reach it all.
Draw to scale
Use real dimensions and the spacing on the seed packet; a grid cell is not a spacing recommendation.
Add the timeline
Record sowing, planting and harvest dates, plus families for next year.
Limits and local conditions
This is a planning example, not a complete planting prescription or yield promise. Variety, soil, water and local weather matter.