Garden Planner
Plan your vegetable and flower garden with spacing guides, planting schedules, and companion planting charts
Garden Planner
Plan your garden layout with optimal plant spacing and seasonal timing
Add Plants
Add Garden Beds
Selected Plants (0)
Garden Beds (0)
Common Vegetable Planting Guide
| Plant | Spacing | Seed Depth | Days to Germinate | Sunlight | Good Companions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 1836" | 1/4" | 614 days | Full sun | Basil, carrots, parsley |
| Lettuce | 612" | 1/8" | 714 days | Part shade | Radish, carrots, onions |
| Carrots | 24" | 1/4" | 1421 days | Full sun | Tomatoes, lettuce, onions |
| Zucchini | 2448" | 1" | 710 days | Full sun | Corn, beans, nasturtiums |
| Beans (bush) | 46" | 1" | 714 days | Full sun | Carrots, squash, cucumbers |
| Basil | 1218" | 1/4" | 510 days | Full sun | Tomatoes, peppers |
| Cucumbers | 12" | 1/2" | 714 days | Full sun | Beans, peas, sunflowers |
| Kale | 1218" | 1/2" | 510 days | Full/Part sun | Beets, celery, herbs |
The Three Sisters Planting Method
One of the oldest companion planting systems from Native American agriculture: corn provides a natural trellis for beans to climb; beans (legumes) fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, feeding corn and squash; squash spreads along the ground, shading out weeds and retaining soil moisture. Plant corn first, add beans when corn is 6" tall, add squash 1 week later. Ideal plot size: at least 10x10 feet.
Crop Rotation 4-Year Plan
Rotating plants by family each year prevents soil nutrient depletion and disrupts pest/disease cycles. Year 1: Legumes (beans, peas) fix nitrogen. Year 2: Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) use that nitrogen. Year 3: Roots (carrots, beets, onions). Year 4: Fruits (tomatoes, peppers, squash). Never grow the same plant family in the same bed two consecutive years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is square foot gardening and how does spacing work?
Square foot gardening (SFG), developed by Mel Bartholomew, divides a 4x4 or 4x8 raised bed into 1-square-foot sections. Each square holds a specific number of plants based on their spacing requirements: 1 plant/sq ft for tomatoes or peppers, 4 plants for lettuce, 9 plants for spinach, 16 plants for radishes or carrots. This intensive method maximizes yield in small spaces while minimizing weeding.
When should I start seeds indoors vs. direct sow outdoors?
Start indoors 68 weeks before last frost: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, and celery (long growing seasons). Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower. Direct sow outdoors after last frost: beans, zucchini, cucumbers, squash (sensitive to transplanting). Direct sow in early spring (before last frost): lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots, radishes (cool-season crops).
What is companion planting and does it really work?
Companion planting places mutually beneficial plants together. The most researched example is the "Three Sisters" (corn, beans, squash): corn provides a trellis for beans, beans fix nitrogen for corn and squash, squash leaves shade weeds. Basil near tomatoes may reduce aphids via aromatic oils evidence is anecdotal but widely practiced. Planting marigolds near vegetables repels nematodes (this has solid scientific support). Avoid planting fennel near most vegetables as it inhibits their growth.
How do I find my USDA Plant Hardiness Zone?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the US into 13 zones based on average annual extreme minimum temperature. Zones 34 (Minnesota, Maine): cold winters, short season. Zones 57 (most of Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, PNW): four distinct seasons. Zones 810 (Southeast, California, Texas, Pacific Coast): mild winters, long growing seasons. Zone 1113 (Hawaii, Puerto Rico, South Florida): tropical/subtropical year-round growing. Find your exact zone at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
How much sun does a vegetable garden need?
Most fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, corn) need 68+ hours of direct sunlight (full sun). Leafy greens and root vegetables (lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots) can tolerate partial shade (36 hours). Herbs like mint and parsley do well in part shade. Sites with <3 hours of sun are generally too shaded for food production. Morning sun with afternoon shade is better than afternoon sun only in hot climates.
What soil should I use for a raised bed garden?
The ideal raised bed mix is the "Mel's Mix" from square foot gardening: 1/3 blended compost, 1/3 peat moss (or coconut coir), 1/3 coarse vermiculite. This creates a light, well-draining yet moisture-retentive medium. For in-ground beds, aim for loamy soil with 510% organic matter. Soil pH 6.07.0 is ideal for most vegetables. Test your soil pH before planting most extension services offer affordable testing.